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A gay Sulu enters ‘Star Trek,’ but Takei disapproves

A gay Sulu enters 'Star Trek,' but Takei disapproves | iNFOnews.ca
FILE PHOTO - In this July 7, 2016 file photo, actor John Cho arrives at the premier of "Star Trek Beyond" in Sydney, Australia. AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File

NEW YORK – USS 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.

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.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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