In June of 2003, Takeuchi Naoko stunned Sailormoon fans by announcing that a brand new series was being produced to air in Japan. The series, Pretty Guardian Sailormoon, is a live-action production with CG effects produced by Toei.

(This announcement came as such a surprise to the public because, since the end of the first run of the animated series in 1997, fans had been speculating and spreading rumors about a "new" season of Sailormoon, but it was never really expected to happen - especially not in this format. Most people had assumed that any new season of Sailormoon to come out would most likely be animated and possibly feature adventures of Chibiusa when she got older.)

Oddly enough, Takeuchi-sensei didn't originally seem to have much of a hand in the production process, as shortly after her shocking announcement, she wondered on the official Sailormoon website whether the show would be a girl-type version of some other popular live-action CG-enhanced shows currently appearing in Japan, such as Kamen Rider.

It appears that the show is based more upon the manga version of Sailormoon than on the anime. Here is a translated "preview" of the show from the official Sailormoon website (original translation from Sailor Scouts UK):

Trying to steal everyday energy, a group called Dark Kingdom is bent on terrestrial conquest. They have began to invade Japan, and especially the Juuban District.

Meanwhile, 2nd year junior high klutz Tsukino Usagi, meets a talking cat named Luna, who gives her a brooch that transforms her into the super heroine Sailormoon!

Even though she must fight, she refuses, but she encounters Sailors Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Venus, and together they develop the strength of friendship and that gives Sailormoon a reason to fight and defend the planet.

Eventually, it is revealed that Usagi is the Moon Princess and is being hunted down by Dark Kingdom. The Dark Kingdom, along with the mysterious Tuxedo Kamen are both searching for the mysterious crystal that can help save the planet, or destroy it when in the wrong hands.

Following, you can find a current list of features for this all-new section. Look for it to be updated as I get new information/access to the episodes!

• CAST iNFORMATiON Want to find out who got those coveted roles in the new version of Sailormoon? Check out this section for a current listing of the actors and their characters, as well as small individual actor pages with photos and information.
  
  
• iMAGES FROM PRETTY GUARDiAN See photos of the new live-action costumes and characters! All photos are thumbnailed for your convenience and open in a new window when clicked. Coming soon!