Exclusive: Why Is Sulu Gay? Star Trek Co-Writer Explains the Controversial Decision

When it was announced over the summer that Star Trek's Hikaru Sulu would be revealed as gay in Star Trek Beyond, it was met with mixed feelings.

George Takei, the original Sulu himself, called the announcement "unfortunate," saying that it took away from the original design and idea of the character. Now, in an exclusive look at some behind the scenes commentary from the film's upcoming Blu-ray release, we get some insight into the decision to not only make Sulu gay, but do it in a very subtle way.

"We decided to not only give Sulu a family but make it a same-sex relationship," said co-writer Simon Pegg, who also plays Scotty in the film. Pegg went on to say that though Star Trek is such a notably inclusive universe, there wasn't a strong gay character. "That aspect of their character had no bearing on who they were or what happens to them in the film, it's just a detail of who they are," he said.

Watch below. Star Trek Beyond is available on digital HD October 4, and on Blu-Ray and DVD November 1.