Portrayed by 'Rent' actor Anthony Rapp, Lt. Stamets is an anastromycologist who will play a big role in Starfleet's conflict with the Klingons.
- Jul 28, 2017
AceShowbiz - "Star Trek: Discovery" is indeed revolutionary in so many ways. The upcoming CBS All Access series has revealed the very first openly gay character in the franchise's 54-year television history. Released via Entertainment Weekly, the first look at the character, Lt. Stamets, has found its way out online.
Portrayed by "Rent" actor Anthony Rapp, Stamets is an anastromycologist (a fungus expert) who has a crucial role in the story. "I'm really excited and happy when a gay character is a part of a story-especially when a gay character is created in a complex and human and non-stereotypical, interesting way, and that has certainly been the case with Stamets," said Rapp.
Meet @AlbinoKid's Lt. Stamets, the first openly gay character in Star Trek's television history: https://t.co/vaSKuc9jFT #StarTrekDiscovery pic.twitter.com/Eu5J4hEY0n
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) July 27, 2017
He added, "And you get to see his relationship. There was a little glimpse in Sulu in 'Beyond', and it was a nice nod. But in this case, we actually get to see me with my partner in conversation, in our living quarters, you get to see our relationship over time, treated as any other relationship would be treated."
"We're at a point in time where people aren't defined by their sexuality," revealed showrunner Aaron Harberts. "What's fascinating about the character is that when we meet him we don't know who or what he is. He's so super specific, he's persnickety and difficult and brilliant, and he isn't going to give an inch and he has very strong feelings about why he's on the 'Discovery'. We wanted to roll out that character's sexuality the way people would roll out their sexuality in life."
It was revealed that Stamets' mushroom research will play a big role in Starfleet's conflict with the Klingons. "He's a really, really smart guy and as smart guys go, he sometimes can be a little difficult to deal with because not everybody's as smart as he is," Rapp spoke of his character. "So he's got a little bit of an edge sometimes, which is fun to play."
During the show's panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 22, the actor revealed that he was not the only gay character on the show as he would develop a romantic relationship with another crew member. Medical officer Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) would be playing his love interest. "Wilson Cruz will be playing my love interest, my partner. My man love-and we're both officers on the ship," Rapp told the crowd.
"Star Trek: Discovery" will take place prior to the original "Star Trek" television series. Starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Michelle Yeoh, Doug Jones, Rainn Wilson, James Frain and Jason Isaacs, the series is set to debut through a special broadcast premiere on Sunday, September 24 at 8.30 P.M. on CBS, before moving to its home on CBS All Access.
