As San Diego Comic Con Anthony Rapp announced another cast member for Star Trek Discovery during the cast panel as he told fans at SDCC that Wilson Cruz was filming alongside them as Discovery medical officer Dr Hugh Culber.
At Star Trek Las Vegas Cruz – Known for shows including My So Called Life, Party of Five, Red Band Society and more including recently appearing in 13 Reasons Why – made his first public appearance as a member of the Discovery cast, taking part in panels and press interviews during his stay.
Cruz’s addition to the announced cast line up was a surprise one, but Rapp explained that within the show he and Cruz would portray Star Trek’s first openly gay couple in television. At STLV all eyes were on Cruz as he spoke of breaking the barrier for the Star Trek franchise and adding a relationship that plays on Star Trek’s hopeful vision of the future.
“It isn’t going to an issue. It’s not something we are going to explain to you.” He said proudly as he spoke of the relationship not being highlighted or treated differently because they’re a same sex couple, “It is just going to be what it is.”
For Cruz, a long time fan of Star Trek who described his younger self as ‘obsessed’ with The Next Generation, the role he and Rapp will play on screen was one he is clearly proud of as he looks ahead. “For anyone who doesn’t understand why this is such a big deal, it is because there is a kid out there who is going to turn on his TV sometime in September or October and he is going to be a young little boy or girl who is questioning their sexuality or orientation,” He told the crowd, “and they are going to see two men love each other and be there for each other and support each other and be in awe of each other’s genius.”
Cruz also noted that when he got the job one of the first things he did was write a letter to CBS’ casting department and showrunners Aaron Harberts & Gretchen Berg to thank them. “All I ever wanted to do is be on Broadway and be on Star Trek.”
You can see more of Cruz as he addresses the crowd at STLV in the following video, uploaded by YouTube user PJMaher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMdMfzJpnQ
Star Trek Discovery launches 24th September on CBS All Access in the US and Netflix here in the UK from September 25th. We’ll have more highlights from Star Trek Las Vegas including members-only content. Make sure you don’t miss a thing and sign up to Starfleet Command today – membership is free!
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