A new documentary trailer is a true love letter to Star Trek and one character in particular. There have been quite a few Trek documentaries over the years, but nothing quite like Beam Me Up, Sulu. That’s because it’s not quite based on the Star Trek franchise itself, but it is an unofficial fan film that still celebrates an amazing story. Watch the trailer featuring none other than George Takei (above).
In 1985, a pack of fans led by student Stan Woo began filming a Star Trek movie on their own. Woo had always loved the character of Sulu and wanted a tale of him leading his own away mission.
On a lark, Woo approached George Takei to possibly appear in the film, expecting a hard no from the star. To his shock, Takei agreed to take part. Keep in mind, this was long before the Internet led to the rise of “fan films,” so Woo was ahead of his time here.
Long lost, the footage was finally uncovered and put together into the documentary Beam Me Up, Sulu by directors Timour Gregory & Sasha Schneider. The result is a film that not only follows this strange story but also celebrates what Star Trek means to people.
The trailer naturally features Woo and Takei, along with a fantastic bevy of Star Trek actors: Alexander Siddig, Christina Chong, Garrett Wang, and Ian Alexander, as well as executive producer Eugene Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
A key aspect of the film is how Sulu paved the way for so many fans, with Woo summing up how this was the first time he saw someone like himself on television. The fellow Trek actors agree with the sentiment on how Star Trek celebrates diversity in so many ways, a legacy that continues today.
The story is really about the love Woo had for Sulu, Star Trek and Takei wanting to tell more of how his experiences of growing up in a World War II internment camp shaped his life.
Takei’s final line in the trailer sums it up: “Passion is an important thing. More people should have it.” That’s a good message for all Trek fans and why this documentary should be a must-watch.
Beam Me Up, Sulu premieres Feb. 17, on the usual digital platforms. And for more Star Trek content, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.