George Takei isn't supportive of the new twist that Sulu is gay

Although many reacted with joy to the new revelation that the beloved Star Trek character Hikaru Sulu is gay, the openly-gay actor who became famous for playing him is not supportive of the news.

George Takei, who shot to fame as Sulu in the '60s, told The Hollywood Reporter that the decision is a "twisting of (creator) Gene (Roddenberry's) creation, to which he put in so much thought."

Takei added that Roddenberry had envisioned Sulu as heterosexual, making this new character development "really unfortunate."

John Cho, who plays Sulu in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond revealed a day ago that the film's director Justin Lin and writer Simon Pegg decided to make the alteration to the character.

In the film, Sulu will be seen with a male spouse and a daughter in a subtle nod to Takei's own sexuality and legacy as an LGBTQ activist.

Takei has reportedly been opposed to the decision since he first learned about it last year, when Cho called him to give him a heads up. The older actor said he tried explaining that he was supportive of Star Trek having a gay character -- just not Sulu.

"Honor (Roddenberry) and create a new character. I urged them," Takei was quoted as saying.

The new Star Trek movie comes out on the sci-fi series' 50th anniversary.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.