In recent years, one member of the original ‘Star Trek’ cast has seemingly been undergoing something of a renaissance. While William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk), is never far from the spotlight and Leonard Nemoy (Mister Spock) appeared in both J.J. Abrams ‘Star Trek’ updates, it’s actually George Takei (Hikaru Sulu) who seems to have captured the public’s affection. This is largely due to his fairly recent coming out and his heavy presence on social media. Not to mention his rapier sharp whit. Takei is a regular guest on Howard Stern’s Sirius radio talk show and as pointed out in the trailer, he is by far the most popular guest when he makes these appearances. And seriously, does a day go by when you don’t re-tweet or share one of his hilarious musings?
Now as a tribute to Takei, a documentary has been made that follows his life which led him to become a sci-fi icon and an activist and goodwill ambassador for the LBGT community. ‘To be Takei,’ appears to be packed with fellow ‘Trek’ stars, original and new. John Cho, the new Mister Sulu, pays homage to the originator by pointing out that when Takei hit airwaves, he was basically the ONLY Asian on TV.
The documentary appears to not only chronicle Takei’s Hollywood years, but delves into his childhood, part of which was spent in a Japanese internment camp during World War 2 and his struggles in attempting to succeed as an actor considering not just his race, but homosexuality. The movie will also give us a glimpse into his private life with husband Brad Altman, whom Takei has been with for 18 years.
Check out the full-length trailer below:
Who knew that after all these years, a character who wasn’t even really a lead on the original ‘Star Trek’ would still be celebrated and embraced by the usually snarky internet?
The documentary has made the rounds of the festival circuit and has gotten rave reviews.
Are you intrigued to get a look at the man behind the yellow shirt?
‘To Be Takei’ will arrive in theaters on August 22nd.
Source: Blastr
