Sulu is Gay in 'Star Trek Beyond,' George Takei Calls it 'Unfortunate'

George Takei has reacted to the news that his classic character Sulu is revealed to be gay in the new movie Star Trek Beyond.

John Cho plays the role in the current film franchise and he said the character development is a nod to Takei, who is openly gay in real life.

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

While most people seem to be excited over the first openly gay character in the franchise, George has called it “unfortunate” as it was not part of creator Gene Roddenerry‘s original vision.

“He was a strong supporter of LGBT equality,” George told THR. “But he said he has been pushing the envelope and walking a very tight rope – and if he pushed too hard, the show would not be on the air.”

“I’m delighted that there’s a gay character,” he added. “Unfortunately, it’s a twisting of Gene‘s creation, to which he put in so much thought. I think it’s really unfortunate.”