George Takei Responds to Gay 'Star Trek' Character on Upcoming Spin-Off

Here we go again!

Actor George Takei caught a lot of flack earlier this year when he took issue that the latest "Star Trek" film rewrote Mr. Sulu, whom Takei played on the original "Star Trek" series, to be gay to honor him. While Takei appreciated the move, he also said it "unfortunate" and the change was out of step with what Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the sci-fi franchise, would have wanted.

But it looks as though Takei has changed his tune entirely. Discussing the upcoming spin-off called "Star Trek: Discovery," which will air on the CBS app All Access, the LGBT activist said he is excited that the show will feature an openly gay character, according to Variety.

"I'm eager to see him," Takei said of Anthony Rapp, who will play an out Starfleet science officer.

Takei, 79, also discussed his issues with Sulu being gay in "Star Trek: Beyond."

"When I was informed they were making Sulu gay, I said, 'It's wonderful that they can deal with the gay issue. But honor Gene. It's not about me," he told Variety. "It's about Gene's vision and respect him and respect the characters that he created.'"

"But be as imaginative and creative as Gene was," he added,

Takei also advised producers to "create a new character and make him or her gay with the issues he or she might have to deal with in the 23rd century. That would be exciting. That would be paying tribute."

Commenting again on "Star Trek: Beyond," Takei explained, "I wasn't persuasive and they made Sulu gay. They said it was a tribute to me, so I appreciate that part.

"But now Gene is really going to be honored by 'Star Trek: Discovery' by having that original character, played by a wonderfully talented actor. I think it is the way it should've been done," he added.

Takei also told Variety that he discussed a gay storyline with Roddenberry during the original "Star Trek" TV show in the 60s.

"Gene created all of the characters as straight characters. Because of the times, it could be not be on the air if you have a gay character," he said. "In fact, we had one episode where the white captain, Kirk, kissed the black Uhura, and that show was blacked out - literally blacked out - in the Southern areas. Stations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia refused to air it. We hit rock bottom."

"I was lobbying Gene to do an episode that deals with LGBT issues and equality," Takei contiued. "He said, 'I'm aware of that and I support that but I'm walking a tightrope. I can't step a little too far or the show will be canceled.'"

"But those days are the past," he said.