The cast of the upcoming Sailor Moon anime has been announced, and long-time fans have reason to rejoice: set to reprise her role is Kotono Mitsuishi, the voice of the original series’ title character.The rest of the cast, however, is new to the franchise. Hisako Kanemoto will be playing Ami Mizuno, or Sailor Mercury. Rina Satou is voicing Rei Hino, or Sailor Mars. Ami Koshimitsu is Makoto Kino, or Sailor Jupiter, and Shizuka Itou rounds out the cast as Minako Aino, or Sailor Venus.
During the announcement event, Mitsuishi commented on her affection for the old series, but hopes fans will give the upcoming show a chance. According to Anime News Network, Mitsuishi thinks there are “some people who are worried about the new cast. This is because the fans loved the work and they loved the characters. She added that she is the same way. She said that she will not put a lid on her feelings about the earlier anime and throw them away, but she will take them with her into the new work. She asks the fans to cheer the staff on, and ‘miracle romance’ with her.”
Along with the cast, the release date of the new show was also announced: the series begins July 5th, to be streamed internationally via the Niconico video service. New episodes will air twice per month, on the first and third Saturdays at 6:00am EST.