John Cho says that Sulu will be revealed as gay in Star Trek Beyond. The Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle actor confirmed that the character will have a same-sex partner in the film.
According to Cho, the Enterprise helmsman will also be shown to have a daughter with this partner, further reflecting the progressive outlook so central to the long-lasting franchise. Reportedly, the move is also a respectful nod to George Takei, who played Sulu in the original 1960’s series and has since emerged as a committed advocate for LGBT rights:
“I liked the approach, which was not to make a big thing out it, which is where I hope we are going as a species, to not politicise one’s personal orientations,” said Cho.
A Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions film, Star Trek Beyond is set to feature the return of Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin and John Cho along with new roles for Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella and Joe Taslim. J.J. Abrams, who directed the last two films, is producing the third film in the rebooted franchise. Lin is directing from a script by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung.
Look for Star Trek Beyond to hit the big screen July 22. That’s about two months before the Star Trek franchise celebrates its 50th anniversary. “The Man Trap” became the first broadcast episode of the original Star Trek when it aired on NBC September 8, 1966.
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