For those of you who weren't paying attention to our Twitter and Facebook posts concerning the matter then shame on you! Announced last week was a special 20th Anniversary event on Nico Nico Douga for Sailor Moon.
The broadcast finished only a few minutes ago, but here's all the information I was able to get. As a note we reported it first on Twitter and Facebook, and from what I can tell we were the first news site of our kind to do so.
We're currently waiting for any press releases on the matter (Japanese or English) to confirm any other details. Here's what we have so far:
The new anime will not be a straight remake. It will be a retelling for an older audience, intended for the original fans of the show.
It is set to be released worldwide in the summer of 2013.
This seems simulcast only at this point, but I can't be sure.
Toei Animation is confirmed to be working on it.
No English publishers or license companies were mentioned.
There is a new opening and ending theme. The opening will be done by Momiro Clover Z and they preformed "Otome Senso" (Maiden War or Girl War?) for the event. It's already out for those curious.
During the broadcast they sang the original opening, whether the original will be used at all in the 2013 retelling is unclear.
The Japanese voice actress for Sailor Moon, Kotono Mitsuishi, and the Japanese voice actor for Tuxedo Mask, Toru Furuya, have confirmed they will be returning to their roles.
There's been some debate about this. For example, Toru said he wasn't sure if he could play Tuxedo Mask again after all this time or "keep up" playing him (despite playing him in the Level-5 game recently). However, it was clearly asked of the two if they were ready to work on the new Sailor Moon. Take this as you will, but to have them at the event, and asking them these questions seems kind of counter-productive if they're not going to be in the new retelling.
Kotono confirms by saying something akin to, "I've been itching to play it [Sailor Moon] again!" on her official blog.
Currently there is no information on anyone else at this time.
The original creator, Naoko Takeuchi, was not in attendance however she did have a letter that said she was happy so many people around the world love Sailor Moon. She seems to be scared (apprehensive?) about doing anything new however, but she also loves Sailor Moon and as such she wanted to bring them back.
Hello Everyone!
I’m Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. I’m thrilled by its 20th anniversary and excited by the new projects--the re-release of the manga and a new anime! I remember when it first started, and quickly became beloved by so many people. Actually, I’m a bit bashful when I hear the title now… I guess you’d feel the same too! But yesterday, I was happy to hear that Sailor Moon has helped inspire the “twin tail” hairstyle!
I’ve been told that so many people worldwide love Sailor Moon. Whenever I hear that, I simply feel ecstatic and jump for joy. Honestly, I’m excited about the future plans for Sailor Moon, and I secretly hope my characters will be romping around once again! Today was a great start to welcoming them back. Please welcome them with warm smiles. I hope you have missed them a lot--otherwise Koto-chan (the original voice actor for Tsukino Usagi/Sailor Moon) will shout, “In the name of the moon, I shall punish you!”