George Takei Speaks Out Against Sulu Being Gay In ‘Star Trek Beyond’

George Takei was not on board with Simon Pegg and Justin Lin‘s decision to have Sulu be revealed as gay in Star Trek Beyond.

George Takei On Sulu Being Gay

Takei originated the role of Sulu on the Star Trek series that first aired in the 60s. Takei, who was closeted at the time, came out as gay in 2005. Pegg and Lin thought it would be a fitting homage to the actor to have his best known character be revealed as gay in the latest Star Trek film. Takei disagrees.

“I’m delighted that there’s a gay character. Unfortunately, it’s a twisting of [Star Trek creator Gene [Roddenberry’s] creation, to which he put in so much thought. I think it’s really unfortunate,” Takei told The Hollywood Reporter. “I said, ‘This movie is going to be coming out on the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, the 50th anniversary of paying tribute to Gene Roddenberry, the man whose vision it was carried us through half a century. Honor him and create a new character.’ I urged them.”

Pegg, who wrote the screenplay for Star Trek Beyond and stars in the film, has responded to Takei’s criticism.

“I have huge love and respect for George Takei, his heart, courage and humor are an inspiration. However, with regards to his thoughts on our Sulu, I must respectfully disagree with him,” Pegg wrote in a statement. “He’s right, it is unfortunate, it’s unfortunate that the screen version of the most inclusive, tolerant universe in science fiction hasn’t featured an LGBT character until now. We could have introduced a new gay character, but he or she would have been primarily defined by their sexuality, seen as the ‘gay character’, rather than simply for who they are, and isn’t that tokenism?”

While doing press in Australia, John Cho, who plays Sulu in the Star Trek flicks, spilled that it will be revealed that his character is gay in Star Trek Beyond. Sulu’s sexuality is made known via a scene that indicates he’s raising his young daughter with a male partner.

“I liked the approach, which was not to make a big thing out it,” Cho told the Herald Sun. “Which is where I hope we are going as a species, to not politicize one’s personal orientations.”

Star Trek Beyond hits theaters July 22.