J.J. Abrams: ‘It’s About Time’ For A Gay Character In ‘Star Trek’; Huffington Post, 7/14/16

Bill Bradley, Huffington Post; J.J. Abrams: ‘It’s About Time’ For A Gay Character In ‘Star Trek’ :

"“It’s about time that there’s a gay character in this universe,” the director told HuffPost.

“It is done, as you saw, in a way that is not in the story of the movie, which is one of my favorite things about it. It’s beside the point. I feel that George Takei’s reaction ― I’m sure has more to do with George Takei, and the baggage he brings to the proceedings. I think it may be his perception of having played a character a certain way. It might mean something personally to him. I have nothing but respect for the man, but I think it’s a preposterous thing for, of all people, a ‘Star Trek’ actor — who’s come out himself — to say that Gene Roddenberry wouldn’t have wanted this.”

Abrams, in fact, believed the “Star Trek” creator would have applauded the decision over Sulu.

“One of the many things I admire about [Roddenberry] was … how he was so about inclusivity, and I can’t imagine that he would not have wanted one of these characters, if he had been allowed ― which, of course, he would never have been allowed to in that era ― [to] have them be gay.”"