In February, the documentary Beam Me Up, Sulu was released, which tells the fascinating story of how Star Trek actor George Takei participated in a fan film back in the 1980s. The doc has received strong reviews, including one here at TrekMovie.com. Initially debuted with selected screenings and as a digital purchase, Beam Me Up, Sulu is now available on some streaming platforms as well as on Blu-Ray with additional special features. There are also some upcoming screenings and events.
Sulu Doc on disc and streaming
This unique documentary picks up on the story of the fan film titled Yorktown: A Time To Heal, which took decades for its creator Stan Woo to take it from a student production to final release. Here is a synopsis for the movie:
In 1985, Star Trek’s George Takei joined a group of dedicated fans to make a student film deep in the California forest — only for the footage to mysteriously vanish. Nearly 40 years later, Beam Me Up, Sulu unearths this lost film, revealing not just a piece of fan history but a broader story of representation, resilience, and the ongoing fight for inclusion in media and society.
Stan Woo and George Takei in Beam Me Up, Sulu (Tribeca Films)
But the doc is about much more than just this fan film. It explores the impact Star Trek has had on popular culture and especially how George Takei became an inspiration to many in both the Asian American community and the LGBTQ community. In addition to Takei, new interviews with several Star Trek celebrities in the doc include Alexander Siddig (Deep Space Nine), Christina Chong (Strange New Worlds), Garrett Wang (Voyager), and Ian Alexander (Discovery). Also featured in the film is executive producer Eugene Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
Alexander Siddig in Beam Me Up, Sulu (Tribeca Films)
The documentary itself took years to make, and directors Timour Gregory and Sasha Schneider shot much more footage than made it into the 90 minute film. An extended versions of many of those interviews and more are part of the Blu-ray release, which is available now on Amazon.
Blu-ray cover
And now the documentary is also streaming on Kanopy, the free streaming service available via library memberships. It is also available on Kinema if you would like to host your own screening event, and available to purchase as a digital download via Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Animation of young George Takei from Beam Me Up, Sulu (Tribeca Films)
Beam Me Up, Sulu events
The team behind the doc also have lined up some upcoming events; one is tonight:
May 19, 2026 – The Grand Cinema, Tacoma WA
Two screenings to mark AANHPI Month: 1.45 pm and 7 pm
June 13, 2026 – Trek Long Island
Screening and post-screening panel with the filmmakers
August 6, 2026 – STLV 60th Anniversary Trek to Vegas
Filmmakers will be on the Inglorious Treksperts stage and at their table
NEW YORK-FEBRUARY 12: Directors Timour Gregory and Sasha Schneider premier Beam Me Up, Sulu as a Tribeca Membership Screening at Tribeca Film Center on February 12, 2026.
Directors join the TrekMovie podcast this week
Timour Gregory and Sasha Schneider will be our guests on the All Access Star Trek podcast this week to talk about the making of the documentary. The podcast will also include the audio from Anthony’s recent interview with George Takei to talk about Beam Me Up, Sulu, and more. The podcast will be available on Friday, May 22nd.
For more about Beam Me Up, Sulu, check out the official site at sulufilm.com, and follow the doc on Instagram for the latest events and updates.
Watch the trailer below.
Find more news and analysis on Star Trek documentaries at TrekMovie.com.