Star Trek's George Takei Says New Sulu Wasn't Gay Enough

Star Trek Beyond features a new Sulu, played by John Cho, who walks offscreen with his arm around another man carrying a child. It's supposed to signify Sulu's homosexuality, but,in George Takei's opinion, the onscreen depiction is a bit half-assed.

He told Digital Spy:

They talked about Sulu becoming gay, but it was such a tentative thing. Shakespeare said it: Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Takei continued:

Sulu comes back, picks up the little girl and hugs her, and then puts his arm around a guy and they walk off... not even a kiss. Just hugging the baby and arm around the guy... and it's over.

In response to Takei's remarks, The Guardianreports that Star Trek Beyond writer Simon Pegg (and the actor playing Scotty) said:

I have huge love and respect for George Takei, his heart, courage and humour are an inspiration. However, with regards to his thoughts on our Sulu, I must respectfully disagree with him. He's right, it is unfortunate, it's unfortunate that the screen version of the most inclusive, tolerant universe in science fiction hasn't featured an LGBT character until now. We could have introduced a new gay character, but he or she would have been primarily defined by their sexuality, seen as the 'gay character', rather than simply for who they are, and isn't that tokenism?

Related | Why Is Sulu Gay? Star Trek Co-Writer Explains the Controversial Decision

A kiss between Sulu and his same-sex partner was reportedly cut from the film, Towleroadreports.