On a ship as immense as the USS Enterprise, surrounded by such strong characters, it can be hard not to get lost in the shuffle. So while you may know all there is to know about Kirk or Spock, just how well do you know Hikaru Sulu?
When Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, conceived the character of Sulu he wanted him to represent all of Asia. This was meant to symbolize the peace existing in the Trek universe, so Roddenberry wanted a surname that was not nationally specific. After looking at a map, Roddenberry found the Sulu Sea and the new name for his character. In Inside Star Trek: The Real Story the name Sulu was also revealed as a pun against Vice President of Desilu Studios, Herb Solow.
It wasn't until over a decade after the original Star Trek series ended that Sulu was given a first name. Vonda McIntrye presented Hikaru as Sulu's first name in her novel The Entropy Effect, completely unaware of the controversy surrounding this. Eventually the use of Hikaru was cleared by Roddenberry but wasn't cannon until Star Trek IV.
Hikaru Sulu was born in San Francisco but had a strong Japanese heritage. Although he was shown as a staff physicist in the pilot episode in 1996, Sulu served as a third officer and senior helmsman throughout the season. Additionally holding the rank of lieutenant before being promoted to lieutenant commander sometime before Star Trek: The Motion Picture. After serving as full commander in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Sulu was promoted to captain of the USS Excelsior.
Aside from being one great helmsman, Sulu also enjoyed gymnastics, botany, fencing, and ancient weaponry. Star Trek Generations also introduced Sulu as a father to a young daughter named Demora Sulu.
Actor George Takei portrayed the character of Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series throughout 1960s. The character of Sulu has additionally appeared in the animated Star Trek series, the first six Star Trek movies, an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, as well as various books, comics, and video games. As of 2009, John Cho has assumed the role of Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and the upcoming film Star Trek Beyond.
Star Trek Beyond is scheduled to hit theaters on July 22, 2016.