John Cho took over the role of Hikaru Sulu from George Takei for the reboot of the franchise. Recently he discussed the 2009 film along with the upcoming sequel. During the interview, Cho talks about getting to know Takei, his level of satisfaction with his own portrayal of the Sulu character and his hopes for the next movie.
“He’s always been a hero of mine. He’s the one that brought me into Star Trek, as a kid.” Cho said regarding George Takei. “I think every person of color in America knows what I’m talking about. When you’re switching the channels and you see someone who looks like you, you freak out. Especially in the 1960s and 1970s and even the 1980s, there just weren’t as many faces of color on television as there are today.” he explained. “So, George is someone who’s been a hero and been on my radar ever since I came to this country. So being connected to him in this way is a real honor.”
Cho discussed his level of satisfaction with the 2009 film and his role in it, saying “It is impossible for me to be objective. But I can only tell you what my reaction was. I was just screaming the first time we screened the movie. It was on the Paramount lot. The main cast was there and everyone was going nuts, as I was. I kind of forgot that I was in the movie. A lot of actors watch movies, watch themselves, in a very critical way and they start nitpicking. The movie was so exciting that I actually forgot to beat myself up. And I thought the guy playing Sulu was OK.”
“When I took the role I hadn’t read the script, even. said Cho. “I just knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I wasn’t sure how it’d juggle out. There were just a lot of characters to get to, it was a big story to tell, and I wasn’t expecting a huge arc. But that scene, the fight, was spectacular. It was something I hadn’t done before. It was new territory for me. So I was very happy with what I had, to answer your question.”
Cho went on to discuss his hopes for the next film, saying “Sulu’s battle was external in the first one, and I think it’d be interesting to see him have an internal battle of some sort. That would be fun for me, for him to struggle with a decision.”
[Quote Source: StarTrek.com]
Jim Robertson
September 13, 2011 at 3:22 pm
This is my first post here since TrekMovie.com fell silent. I like the news and flashes of optimism here and it makes me hopeful for the future of Trek, unlike the funeral going on over at TrekMovie.
Buzz Cagney
September 13, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Hi Jim, it is indeed a novelty to be getting some kind of news regarding Trek isn’t it.
Well, if they are trying to kill off Trekmovie they are going the right way about it. Its sad but hey, we have TrekNews now, so its all good.
Buzz Cagney
September 13, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Oh damn and botheration I missed out on the chance to say ‘its worse than that, Trekmovie is dead Jim’ ! Well, I won’t say it now cos it will just look a bit old already!
Jim Robertson
September 13, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Funny you should say that. I went by the name “I’m Dead Jim!” over at TrekMovie. I recognize your name Buzz. I do hope TrekMovie doesn’t die. Some fans there think Anthony doesn’t owe us anything but I think we at the very least deserve an explanation, to be told if he’s going to take time off. Maybe he doesn’t owe us anything but to be silent on Trek’s 45th Anniversary was inexcusable. OK, that’s all from me here and now and that subject. So… how about that John Cho! He still has hopes for Sulu in the sequel! Yay!
Horatio
September 13, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Love that pic. He looks like alternate universe/evil Terran Empire Sulu.
FurtherOn
September 13, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I’d definitely like to see the Sulu character explored further in the next film. I think that’s territory that was ripe for the taking in the 80’s and 90’s and was never really taken advantage of. Plus, John Cho seems like a pretty cool guy.
Battle-scarred Sciatica
September 14, 2011 at 12:12 am
from the look of that pic i would say John was getting ready to play Fu ManCho!
good on Ya John.
News keeps comin….
Unlike Trekmovie…..I hope Trekmovie doesn’t just die – that would be sad.
likin’ Treknews though…..
keep the reports comin’…..
eagerbeaver
September 14, 2011 at 6:19 am
I’d definitely like to see Sulu and Scotty’s character’s explored further in the sequel. Both of them are great characters and amazing actors.