George Takei has reacted to the news that his classic Star Trek character Hikaru Sulu is revealed to be gay in the new movie Star Trek Beyond.
John Cho plays the role in the current film franchise and he said the character development is a nod to Takei, who is openly gay in real life. Cho says, “I liked the approach, which was not to make a big thing out of it, which is where I hope we are going as a species, to not politicize one’s personal orientations.”
George Takei has called it “unfortunate” as it was not part of creator Gene Roddenerry‘s original vision.
“He was a strong supporter of LGBT equality. But he said he has been pushing the envelope and walking a very tight rope — and if he pushed too hard, the show would not be on the air. I’m delighted that there’s a gay character. Unfortunately, it’s a twisting of Gene’s creation, to which he put in so much thought. I think it’s really unfortunate.”
Takei has been a proponent of LGBT representation in the franchise from early on, when, though he was still in the closet himself, he discussed the idea with Roddenberry. The latter, who had seen the show take a ratings hit after a 1968 episode featuring an interracial kiss, feared that too much boundary-breaking too soon might spell the end of the show.
Star Trek Beyond is coming to theatres July 22, 2016
