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George Takei

George Takei


Last Updated: 11/20/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Married
Age: 72
Sign: Aries

City: LOS ANGELES
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 6/16/2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 

Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

GEORGE TAKEI ISSUES STATEMENT ON DAILY VARIETY STORY
by George Takei

This is a startling new development for the "Star Trek" franchise and I am very excited about the news.

When we filmed the pilot in 1965, we were praying it would sell to think that in 2006 Paramount would be revving up to make the 11th "Star Trek" feature film would have been beyond the most fantastical of thoughts back in 1965.

I wonder what Sulu would have been up to in those early days at Starfleet Academy?

We've lived much longer than we ever thought, and will continue to prosper in so many unimagined ways in the future.

# # #

Source: http://www.variety.com

Date in print: Fri., Apr. 21, 2006, Los Angeles

Trekkies have a new leader

'Star' treatment for J.J.
By DAVE MCNARY

J.J. Abrams is becoming the next Gene Roddenberry.

Paramount is breathing life into its "Star Trek" franchise by setting "Mission: Impossible III" helmer J.J. Abrams to produce and direct the 11th "Trek" feature, aiming for a 2008 release.

Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk, Abrams' producing team from "Lost," also will produce the yet-to-be-titled feature.

Project, to be penned by Abrams and "MI3" scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, will center on the early days of seminal "Trek" characters James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, including their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and first outer space mission.

Deal reflects ParPar's bullishness on "MI3," which launches worldwide next weekend, and underlines the goal of Paramount chief Brad Grey and prexyprexy Gail Berman to re-energize the pipeline via high-profile tentpoles while revitalizing the Par brand with top-tier talent such as Abrams.

"MI3" is the first pic to be released that's been greenlit by Grey.

"Star Trek" has been Hollywood's most durable performer other than James Bond, spawning 10 features that have grossed more than $1 billion and 726 TV episodes from six series.

Decision to relaunch "Star Trek" comes less than a year after UPN pulled the plug on "Star Trek: Enterprise" amid dismal ratings following a four-season run and four years after "Star Trek: Nemesis" turned in the worst performance of the 10 films with $43 million domestic.

Original series created by Roddenberry launched in 1966 on NBC and ended in 1969.

During the following decade, the original 78 episodes of "Trek" became staples in syndication and helped mobilize the fan base along with conventions, books and merchandise. Paramount released "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" in 1979 and saw domestic grosses hit $82 million. The next three films grossed a combined $263 million domestically, so Paramount started the second TV series, "The Next Generation," in 1987, with Rick Berman and Roddenberry co-exec producing.

Under Sherry Lansing's tenure, Rick Berman had been teamed several years ago with Jordan Kerner and Kerry McCluggage to develop an 11th feature set in the early days of Starfleet Academy.


5:00 PM
 
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It is indeed an amazing development to be returning to the era that made Star Trek so loved by millions of fans worldwide. I just hope they can do justice to the essence of what made the franchise so incredible. As for recasting the original actors, surely nobody can come close to George Takei in the roll of Sulu.

Lots of Respect from BigHairyKev,
A Sulu fan from over the sea.
 
Posted by on Tuesday, July 04, 2006 - 12:24 AM
[Reply to this] 
Jude LaFaux
Jude LaFaux

 
That's too bad, I think. I had read that the new movie was going to be a whole new cast, & the setting was a century before the Kirk/Spock era.

I mean, we all love the original cast, but coming from Boston, I was hoping my friend would be cast as the first gay Vulcan!!

Oh well. I look forward to it anyway!!

BTW, thanks for the add!!
 
Posted by Jude LaFaux on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:46 PM
[Reply to this] 
Jordan Roads

 
Well, here's my thoughts... I hope sincerely that whoever is involved with the art direction of the new film that centers on the "early years" of the original characters pays some sincere homage to the sparce designs of the original Star Trek ships and sets. Now, I KNOW they are dated and I KNOW they had no money on the original show, but whose to say by the 23rd century technology wouldn't enable us to streamline our surroundings?
But, above all else, I hope whoever is involved in the music direction for the film brings back THE ORIGINAL MAIN TITLE ALEXANDER COURAGE THEME SONG -- in it's entirety! One of the biggest disappointments in the theatrical film series for me was that that jazzy, upbeat theme was completely abandoned and replaced the more stodgey militaristic John Williams-style approach. To me, the original theme captured the true flavor of Star Trek: ubeat, bouncy, optimistic -- youthful. Well, obviously I could rant forever about these things, but those two points (particularly the music) always meant a lot to me. Hopefully you and the other original cast will somehow appear in the film. And, thanks again for the add.
JR :)
 
Posted by Jordan Roads on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:48 PM
[Reply to this] 
Ethan
Ethan Morley

 
Dear Mr. Takei, I am not at all excited by the prospect of a movie set in this period of Star Trek's timeline, the main reason being, I dont want to see Sulu or any of the characters being played by people other than the actors who originally gave them life.
I also feel it would be disrecpectful to the memories of the late Mr. Doohan and Mr. Kelley.
The thing about Star Trej is that it has always taken it's knocks, got up shook itself and come back stronger and also that it's about Boldly Going Where No Man Has Gone Before, not going around in safe established places, distorting the characters we all love so much.
 
Posted by Ethan on Sunday, September 03, 2006 - 10:06 AM
[Reply to this] 
®T'Mar

 
I have been a fan since early childhood. I remember seeing TMP when I was 11 years old and I am just as excited about VI as I was about The Wrath of Kahn. I am now watching the previous films with my own children, and my 10 y/o, particularly, is becoming a big fan (just like his mamma). The article was great, and I will be at the front of the line at the theatre to see this one!
 
Posted by ®T'Mar on Thursday, November 02, 2006 - 6:41 PM
[Reply to this] 
Matt

 
*sigh* This is the worst possible direction they could go with for a film. I had my heart set on a story about Sulu and the Excelsior set after The Undiscovered Country. I really hope they make the right decision before production begins and don't go with this backwards, moronic idea (no offense Mr Takei you are simply the messenger). If there is anyway we can get together to convince the clowns running the Trek franchise to reconsider let me know.

Matt
 
Posted by Matt on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 12:53 AM
[Reply to this] 
Lady A
RJ A

 
I grew up with trek and just introduced my one year old son to the original series.
He likes bright colors so the phaser effects are his favorite parts.
I am glad the Trek world is still going and that my son will get the chance to see why mom is so nuts and loves the series so much. Yay for this next movie!
 
Posted by Lady A on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 3:06 PM
[Reply to this] 
MiamiJohn

 
I think no one can deny that no matter what incarnation of Trek one prefers, the ideals and principles personified by the cast of the original Trek is what brought us to love and respect one of the longest running science fiction franchises in existence today.

Now 40 years later, there is enough Trek to satisfy a variety of fan's tastes and sensibilities. With that comes many differing opinions of what is and isn't considered "Trek" by the fans.

I think when it comes to how we interpret every show, just like religion, we have a tendency to believe that our preference and interpretation of how true a spin-off is to The Original Series is the right one.

You have the Niners against the Voyagers, the Kirk fans against the Picard fans, so on and so forth.

Now, for the first time in several years, we're on the precipice on something big. Star Trek is about to endure it's most ambitious reimagining. The creators of this new vision have chosen to step back in time and go back to original for inspiration - and I think that holds alot of possibilities. For one, I think that going back to the original crew, the original template is going to grab everyone's attention, no matter what captain or ship you tend to love the most. It's so ambitious that it will even pique the curiosity of those who only watch Trek casually or only know enough about it because of how pervasive the franchise is within pop culture.

JJ Abrams has proven himself to be something of a television powerhouse, and he's professed his love of the Original Series on several occasions.
If he can tap into the personality, the charm, the heart of what The Original Series stood for, then he'll reinvigorate a franchise that has been stagnant for quite a while now. And really that is the most important aspect of what this movie should be.

Mr. Abrams should be aware of the awesome responsibility he has within in hands. There is no fan base quite like the Star Trek fans. If he succeeds, it will be the beginning of a new age for Star Trek. Well, let's just say that if the fans had the power to bring back a show to the network for one more season just on a letter writing campaign - imagine what the fans are capable of now with today's technology and networking capabilities.

I am excited at the prospect of revisiting the 23rd Century and hopefully when the movie is over, each fan will be filled with wonder, excitement and the thrill of feeling that Star Trek is back. I don't know about you, but it's too long since I've felt that.
 
Posted by MiamiJohn on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 10:43 PM
[Reply to this] 
John
John Delvin Jr

 
When the original series debuted, I wasn't even born yet, but I was one of the ones that got to watch it while it was in syndication... I grew to love the show alot and continued through the animated series and then the movies. Since the Star Trek franchise has been around... I have seen every movies made and also have as part of my movie collection... I also have watched every TV series that has been debuted. I remember when after Star Trek VI had come out they were talking about doing the next movie as a prequel to the original series but it was then changed over to include the Next Generation cast to continue the franchise torch. I know it has been awhile since the last movie has come and Paramount Pictures has gone through some management changes that have impacted the franchise. It is good to see that the franchise is being revitialized now and that they are finally goin to make this preqeul movie... who knows it may spark a new set of movies that could finally bridge the gap of the academy days to there first days on the Enterprise... Good Luck to J.J. Abrahms and hopefully it would be great to see some of the original cast members in this new installment. Also on a serious note... I would love to pay my respect to the fallen cast members Deforest Kelly and James Doohan... without them the Star Trek family will never be complete. Thank you.

John
 
Posted by John on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 3:19 PM
[Reply to this] 
laura

 
I'm concerned that this might not be true to the backstory as it was set up in the original series. Remember, that Spock served on the Enterprise long before Kirk, with Captain Pike as his first commander. Kirk took over the Enterprise from Pike and inherited Spock in that way. There has NEVER been any mention that Spock and Kirk met in Star Fleet academy and it seems highly unlikely. Keep in mind that Vulcans live much longer lives than humans and it is much more plausible that Spock was in the academy long before Kirk.
I'm also concerned that Paramount forgets that the characters created by Gene Roddenberry were only paper cut outs until actors breathed life into them. Those characters are so recognizeable primarily because of the people who played them. Further, I suspect that this film will be even less successful than Nemesis (which I thought had a very good story line) and for the same reasons that Star Trek: Enterprise failed. The characters simply won't be the people we have come to love, they will be people pretending to be Kirk and Spock.
Paramount has already lost one potential viewer of this movie in this fan, simply because they have not opened their arms to the original casts of Star Trek:ToS and Star Trek: TNG.
I have no doubts that this will be the same for many other fans out there, and we can only hope that Paramount isn't signaling the death knell of this beloved story.
 
Posted by laura on Saturday, May 05, 2007 - 11:31 PM
[Reply to this] 
Chris Aable

 
Take it forward, Scotty, man the deck, Sulu, warp nine.

Looking forward to the 2008 release, to take us all where no man....um....human.....has gone before.

Love and peace,
Chris

"If love means wishing everyone a better world (or universe) then I can honestly say I love just about everyone." - Chris Aable
 
Posted by Chris Aable on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 3:03 AM
[Reply to this] 
Mark

 
I have always been a fan of Star Trek. Watched all the episodes of all the series runs from Star Trek, Star Trek the Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Star Trek Voyager, and all the movies made. But back when Star Trek started with Kirk, Spock and the others, there was no mention of Kirk and Spock meeting at Star Fleet Acadamy. They met when Kirk took over command of the Enterprise, after Captain Christopher Pike.

I am glad anyway that they are continueing another movie for Star Trek, but I think this next one should be of the resurection of Captain James T. Kirk. Kirk died helping Jean Luke Pecard after he left the Nexus with him, after all they brought Spock back in the one of "In Search of Spock". Also in one episode of Star Trek the Next Generation, Spock mentioned he regreted senting James Kirk on a mission that ended his life.
 
Posted by Mark on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 3:56 PM
[Reply to this] 
John
John Swanson

 
I say give this new film a chance. I was 16 when the original Star Trek aired and I remember how excited I was then. I watched both Lost in Space & star Trek and loved them both in different way and have both shows on dvd now to share with my grandkids. Keep an open mind you might just enjoy it. Star trek is going over 40 years now and to keep it fresh and healthy this film could be just what is needed. I'm wishing them all the best. "Live Long & Prosper", John
 
Posted by John on Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 6:08 PM
[Reply to this] 
Mark

 
They could of had you appear as your grandfather who was a teacher. It just want be right without you being in it in some form or another. It's not to late, maybe they will see the light. I always looked forward to seeing how thay brought you guy's into each new movie. I hope all goes well but if not I still have my VHS and DVD's to watch.
Peace be with you!
 
Posted by Mark on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 3:35 AM
[Reply to this] 
Jimmy

 
This is an outrage.


I am currently completing a Star Trek movie featuring you, Mr. Takei. Yes. You.


It's called "What's the Deal With Sulu"

I'm going to make it using my sweet 1987 Hitachi VHS video camera. So's I can keep the budget down. It's going to be a thrill a minute carnival ride of fun filled with action, adventure, fighting, lovemaking, scares, laughs and tears. But you know what you wont find in "What's the Deal With Sulu"? Bill Shatner. Know why? Because Bill will never know what the deal with Sulu really is.


Boo ya.


If I can't get you to be in the movie, George, I will expect you to show up to our premiere.

 
Posted by Jimmy on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 9:31 PM
[Reply to this] 
David

 
I hope the guy who plays young Sulu gets to spend some time with George to get the perspective of the original.


As a fan since 1969 when ST first came to the UK, I am looking forward to the film. They have lined up an impressive cast.


..... As Leonard Nimoy had been signed up I am guessing there will be a flashback element. I hope we here that Sulu made Admiral.

 
Posted by David on Saturday, June 21, 2008 - 2:20 PM
[Reply to this] 
T.Barrows R.I.P.

 
Thanks for being as excited as most Trekkies are about this. Also, I can't remember who is playing you in the new movie; but I, being a McCoy fan am really happy they chose Karl Urban to play the young Dr. McCoy. He is stunning, just like DeForest Kelley was. Karl is going to have to wear contacts tho to bring out the baby blues. I cannot wait until this movie comes out. Of course, I loved the entire series and cast; but it was Dr. McCoy that got me hooked.

 
Posted by T.Barrows R.I.P. on Saturday, July 19, 2008 - 1:34 PM
[Reply to this] 
Trekwebmaster

 
oh gosh George, I remember sitting (probably in diapers) in front of our old black and white television and watching "The Corbomite Manuever," in 1966. It was my first taste of Star Trek and as a wee lad, I was hooked. I absolutely love the show and movies. I just can't tell you how much you all have enriched my life.


If I could name one thing outside of my family that has inspired me in my life, it would be Star Trek.


Thank you George and all of the cast of the many Star Trek series and movies for giving me this wonderful thing called Star Trek!

Much love,

Trekwebmaster
 
Posted by Trekwebmaster on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 12:46 PM
[Reply to this] 
David

 
Like several other commenters I have been a fan since my early teens. Unlike some of them, I am really excitted about ST: XI. It does not bother me that other actors will take on the much beloved characters - the main thing for me is that the characters are being kept alive. And from what I've seen the new actors have been well cast.

 
Posted by David on Saturday, December 13, 2008 - 5:04 PM
[Reply to this] 
Roth
Roth Shred

 
You my friend are a god!
 
Posted by Roth on Sunday, December 14, 2008 - 6:21 PM
[Reply to this] 
Lisa

 
That is beautiful thank you for sharing with us. I believe in monogamous, life-long commitment between two people, period. This is what you have, and that is awesome. ..
 
Posted by Lisa on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 6:01 AM
[Reply to this]