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A gay Sulu enters 'Star Trek,' but Takei disapproves
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In this July 7, 2016 file photo, actor John Cho arrives at the premier of "Star Trek Beyond" in Sydney, Australia. Cho portrays Hikaru Sulu in the film, opening in U.S. theaters on July 22. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
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SS Enterprise helmsman Hikaru Sulu is portrayed as gay in "Star Trek Beyond," but George Takei, who originated the role, isn't pleased.
A scene in the upcoming film plainly presents Sulu, played by John Cho, with a male spouse raising an infant daughter. Cho told Australia's Herald Sun that he liked that the approach doesn't "make a big thing" out of it.
(Read also: SUV that rolled, killed 'Star Trek' actor is under recall)
But Takei, who came out in 2005, called the decision "unfortunate." The 79-year-old actor told The Hollywood Reporter that he didn't like the character being altered. Takei instead urged the filmmakers to create a new gay character.
Screenplay writer Simon Pegg and director Justin Lin say they intended to pay homage to Takei as an LGBT activist. In a statement Friday, Pegg said he "respectfully (disagreed)" with Takei.
