Big news, everyone: It’s been revealed that this current iteration of helmsman Hikaru Sulu, who is played by John Chu in the newest Star Trek films, is gay! Yay!
The Australian paper the Herald Sun reported that, at a press event, Cho revealed that his character’s husband and child appear in the movie, and it’s no big deal, guys. Cho says, “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 politicize one’s personal orientations.”
Many fans are saying this was a tribute to George Takei, who played the original Sulu and who has made a new name for himself as a great LGBT activist. Regardless of the inspiration, the decision is a great one. The nerd universe is sorely lacking queer representation, and this is as good a start as any to making that change. (What a progressive day for nerd-dom!)
Surprisingly, not many people on Twitter are upset about this change. What a pleasant subversion of expectations!
And, of course, some people just don’t care. So long as the movie is good.
This newest film — the third in the rebooted Star Trek series — is directed by Justin Lin and will be released July 22.