'Star Trek Beyond' news, spoilers: Cast defends Sulu revelation; director says 'a lot of thought' went into decision

Following George Takei's reaction to the revelation that "Star Trek" character Sulu is gay in the upcoming "Star Trek Beyond," the film's cast has expressed their support for the decision to portray Sulu as an LGBT character.

Last week, "Star Trek Beyond" actor John Cho, who plays Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu in the upcoming film, revealed that the character will be depicted as gay, with a male partner and a young daughter, in the next "Star Trek" installment. This announcement prompted Takei, the original Sulu, to comment that the choice to feature Sulu as an LGBT character was "really unfortunate."

Takei is openly gay and is an outspoken LGBT rights activist.

"Star Trek Beyond" actor and co-writer Simon Pegg later reacted to Takei's statement, saying that while he has nothing but love and respect for the "Star Trek" veteran, he "respectfully disagree[s]" on the Sulu issue.

The topic was a hot one at the recent "Star Trek Beyond" premiere in London.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Star Trek Beyond" actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Commander Spock, said that it is "high time" for the "Star Trek" franchise to feature an LGBT character.

Quinto, who is also openly gay, said, "We've been really excited by the response, particularly from young people, who have been inspired and motivated by this turn toward progress."

Meanwhile, his co-star Chris Pine, who plays Captain James T. Kirk, said that he was stunned that the topic has gotten so much attention.

"It was not something that was flippant," director Justin Lin said. "It was something a lot of thought went into. George [Takei] is entitled to his opinion, but at the end of the day I'm the gatekeeper for this, and I think it's in the spirit of what [Gene] Roddenberry wanted."

On Tuesday, July 12, Paramount unveiled a short online featurette on the "Star Trek Beyond" villain Krall, who is played in the film by Idris Elba.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Pine called the villain "the soloist" and "the nihilist" while Elba said that Krall is a complex character with a deep-seated hatred of the Federation, which leads him to destroy the USS Enterprise.

"Watching the Enterprise crash and burn, it felt like I was destroying a legacy," the actor said. "Krall is certainly going to be remembered for that."

"Star Trek Beyond" hits theaters July 22.