Star Trek legend George Takei reveals surprise as film producers turned Captain Sulu gay
The veteran screen star, who played the role in the 1960s, had other ideas about how it could develop
STAR Trek legend George Takei revealed his surprise when producers behind the film's re-boot turned his character Captain H Sulu gay, confessing "they didn't listen" to his suggestions.
The veteran screen star told today's Lorraine show he had pitched in with ideas for the inter-galactic fantasy, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Yet he admitted his character Mr Sulu's homosexuality had come as a shock.
George, a passionate campaigner for LGBT rights, told host Lorraine Kelly he had had "another take"on how the role of the Helmsman of the USS Enterprise should develop, yet added: "They (the producers) did it already.
"They didn't listen to me.
"It's not a tribute to Gene Roddenberry (Star Trek screenwriter)."
He added: "When they were planning it, they let me know they wanted to pay tribute to me with the character.
"I said 'no, no, no, it's not a tribute to me, it's the 50th anniversary show'.
"Really it should be a tribute to Gene, it was his vision."
Actor John Cho takes on the refreshed role in Star Trek Beyond, a movie series which was brought back to life by JJ Abrams in 2009.
George played Mr Sulu back in the Sixties and John said he hoped to address the changing times with his interpretation of the role.
He told “I liked the approach, which was not to make a big thing out it, which is where I hope we are going as a species, to not politicise one’s personal orientations."
Meanwhile Lorraine admitted she too had struggled to come to terms with the new Mr Sulu and quipped: "It took me a bit of time to get used to that, but I am coming round."
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Meanwhile the presenter showed her Trekkie fangirl status as George presented her with a special signed documentary box set.
After handing the gift to her, she was lost for words as he announced: "Galactic greetings to you, live long and prosper."
Clearly chuffed, she gushed: "It's the best present I have had in my life.
"It's even better than the Spock doll and I thought that was good enough!"
She added: "Galactic greetings to you.
"That's it, my life is made."
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