Similar to previous "Star Trek" TV shows, the upcoming CBS Access series "Star Trek: Discovery" will feature a diverse line-up of characters. However, latest spoiler news revealed the identity of a new gay character for the space adventure show.
Recently, "Star Trek: Discovery" reached a milestone in the franchise's TV history as the first "Star Trek" series to feature an openly gay character. The Starship Discovery crew member Lt. Stamets (Anthony Rapp) is a gay man, according to a CBS Access announcement, as obtained by Entertainment Weekly.
Described as a fungus expert and an "astromycologist," viewers will see the new Starfleet science officer's challenges and adventures in the upcoming "Star Trek: Discovery." Given the revelation that Lt. Sulu's (John Cho) is gay in the movie "Star Trek: Beyond," the inclusion of an openly gay character in the CBS Access series is part of showrunner Bryan Fuller's plans to introduce a more diverse set of characters.
In an earlier Television Critics Association press event, the show's executive producer confirmed the addition of a gay character to "Star Trek: Discovery." With the intention to continue the TV series' legacy of introducing a diverse cast, viewers can look forward to seeing different characters in the CBS Access series, Polygon quoted Fuller as saying.
The executive producer stated, "Star Trek started with a wonderful diversity in its cast ... We are absolutely continuing that tradition. We'll probably have some more aliens than usual in our cast, too."
With the timeline for "Star Trek: Discovery" set ten years before Captain Kirk's five-year quest, character speculations hinted at the appearance of a few familiar faces. When Fuller was asked whether Spock's mother Amanda Grayson will appear in the show, he teased that the said character's cameo "could happen" in the CBS Access series.
"Star Trek: Discovery" is expected to premiere in January 2017 on CBS Access. Watch the trailer below: