Simon Pegg—co-writer of Star Trek Beyond—agrees with original Hikaru Sulu actor George Takei that it's unfortunate it has taken so long for Star Trek to feature an LGBTQ character. However, he "respectfully disagrees" in regards to Takei's opinion on Star Trek Beyond's reveal that Sulu is gay.
Takei feels the decision to make Sulu openly gay in Star Trek Beyond is disrespectful to creator Gene Roddenberry's vision for the Star Trek universe. After hearing Takei's public response, Pegg is standing by the Star Trek Beyond character.
"We could have introduced a new gay character, but he or she would have been primarily defined by their sexuality," he said in a statement released to The Guardian, "seen as the 'gay character,' rather than simply for who they are, and isn't that tokenism?"
It was important to Pegg that the character's sexual orientation was just "one of many personal aspects, not the defining characteristic." He also believes that Trek creator Gene Roddenberry would have explored Sulu's sexuality on the original show if the viewing audience at the time was more open-minded.
"It's also important to note that at no point do we suggest that our Sulu was ever closeted, why would he need to be? It just hasn't come up before," Pegg added. Star Trek Beyond is an alternate timeline with alternate details, he continued. "Whatever magic ingredient determines our sexuality was different for Sulu in our timeline."
Pegg concluded: "Whatever dimension we inhabit, we all just want to be loved by those we love (and I love George Takei). I can’t speak for every reality but that must surely [be] true of this one. Live long and prosper."
Nicole is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter.
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