In what might come as a surprise to many, George Takei has criticized the creators of Star Trek Beyond for making Sulu openly gay in the new movie.
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John Cho, the actor who plays Sulu, revealed the news recently as an intended tribute to the original Sulu, George Takei, who has been a pioneering activist for gay rights. When he heard the news, Takei spoke to Hollywood Reporter and told them that he urged Pegg and the Star Trek writing team to reconsider.
Takei said that it would go against the wishes of the show’s original creator, gene Rodenberry, and did not honor the character. He also said that he believed it sent a message to people that sexuality can change, as Sulu was never openly gay in Star Trek: The Original Series.
"“I’m delighted that there’s a gay character. Unfortunately, it’s a twisting of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s creation, into which he put so much thought. I think it’s really unfortunate. I wanted the writers to be imaginative and create a character who has a history of being gay, rather than Sulu, who had been straight all this time, suddenly being revealed as being closeted”."
George Takei spoke to the producers and writers via media when he heard of the story development where Sulu is revealed to have a husband and a daughter. He expressed his concerns and hoped they would listen but he was disappointed to learn that they would continue with the story. Simon Pegg, one of the actors and writers of the movie wrote a letter of tribute trying to explain what they meant to which Takei said:
"“And I thought to myself: ‘How wonderful! It’s a fan letter from Simon Pegg. Justin had talked to him!’ … I was kind of confused. He thinks I’m a great guy? Wonderful. But what was the point of that letter? I interpreted that as my words having been heard.”"
I understand that Takei might want to protect the legacy of the character he originally portrayed, but I also think it is a tremendously forward-thinking storyline and it is a tribute to the LGBT community. Star Trek showed us during the 60’s that people from all races and species can work together in harmony, so why not people of all orientations. Gay or straight Sulu, I am getting excited for Star Trek Beyond in a week!
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