First Poster for 'Sherlock' Series 4 Hits Web

A month after the release of its teaser trailer, the official Twitter page for "Sherlock" just dropped a new portrait for Series 4, which is set to debut next year.

The portrait depicts Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), as he stood right beside a seemingly old John Watson (played by Martin Freeman), with the caption: "The boys will be back soon! Here's the official picture of #Sherlock and John from Series 4."

Also noticeable are the poses of the characters aforementioned. While both of them have their arms folded, the gutsy Holmes seems to be deep in thought, whereas Watson seems to be distressed.

It was revealed previously that the next season will see Holmes and Watson combating a new enemy, portrayed by "Wayward Pines" alumnus Toby Jones. Meanwhile, John and his wife Mary (played by Amanda Abbington) will also fight a different threat: parenthood.

It is common knowledge that production phase on the show has been increasingly difficult, granted the scheduling conflicts for its two leads. Recent statements from both Cumberbatch and showrunner Steven Moffatt have hinted that Series 4 might be the last hurrah for "Sherlock"

Cumberbatch shared with the press during an interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2016, "It's not just about what any of us want. It's about what's actually right for the show, to be honest, and that has to be judged very carefully. Think about the very limited but classic British output of certain shows, and there aren't that many of them. It's a painful thing to say, but maybe series four is it. Who knows?"

Moffatt, on the other hand, expressed amazement when he first learned of BBC renewing the show for a fourth season with its two leads on the foray. However, he told The Telegraph that Series 4 might seal the tale of these unlikely heroes. He shared his optimism, though, that they can pick the show back again sometime in the future, should the actors' scheduling issues ultimately define "Sherlock's" final fate.

"That's why I think it's unlikely that we've completely finished it," he said. "There would be nothing strange in stopping for a while. It could go on forever, coming back now and again."

"Sherlock" debuts early 2017 on BBC One.