Sailor Moon enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the release of Sailor Moon Cosmos, the two-part finale of the Sailor Moon Crystal series. The film is set to premiere in Japanese theaters soon, with Part 1 on June 9, 2023, and Part 2 on June 30, 2023. However, American viewers are still waiting for news on a US release. One of the reasons for the heightened excitement is that this adaptation will finally bring to life the "true" storyline from the Sailor Stars manga, including characters and plotlines that were left out in the original anime adaptation.
The most highly anticipated addition in this movie is the introduction of Sailor Cosmos, a character that has captivated fans of the manga. Sailor Cosmos is both enigmatic and effortlessly cool, making her absence from the original Sailor Star anime a sore point for Sailor Moon fans. Although her inclusion was initially met with praise, recent developments have sparked controversy surrounding the character's presence in the film.
Who is Sailor Cosmos
In the Sailor Moon arc Sailor Stars, Sailor Cosmos emerges as a enigmatic and formidable warrior, marking her presence in the storyline. Hailing from the distant future, she bears witness to a catastrophic battle that brings about the annihilation of the entire universe. Overwhelmed by a sense of despair and hopelessness, Sailor Cosmos makes the difficult decision to abstain from participating in the conflict, opting instead to escape while carrying the weight of guilt and remorse.
Sailor Cosmos is often depicted as a wise and sorrowful figure burdened by the weight of her choices. She acts as a counselor to Sailor Moon and her companions, cautioning them about the potential ramifications of their actions and the possible devastation they may cause. However, Sailor Cosmos ultimately entrusts Sailor Moon with the decision-making, believing in her ability to make the right choices and shape a better future.
Part of Sailor Cosmos' enigmatic allure lies in the fact that her origins are never fully disclosed. While many speculate that she is a future manifestation of Sailor Moon, her true identity and background remain unconfirmed. Despite various hints such as her hairstyle, her remorse for fleeing in fear, and the weapon-like staff she wields, the original author, Naoko Takeuchi, has purposely kept silent about the character's purpose and identity, allowing readers to form their own interpretations.
One of the reasons fans eagerly anticipated the film adaptation was the hope that it would shed new light on the enigmatic character, especially with regards to the voice casting. Regrettably, instead of providing clarity, the voice actress has only added to the confusion.
Who Has Been Cast to Voice Sailor Cosmos?
Keiko Kitagawa, born on August 22, 1986, in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is a renowned Japanese actress and former model. She rose to fame in the entertainment industry with her successful modeling career and subsequently ventured into acting, showcasing her talent in numerous television dramas and films.
Despite her previous involvement with a Sailor Moon series, Kitagawa's casting has sparked controversy among fans of the franchise, largely due to the character she portrayed in the show.
Why Has this Created Controversy Among the Fans?
The speculation surrounding Sailor Cosmos's true identity has sparked confusion among Sailor Moon fans. While it is widely believed that Sailor Cosmo is Sailor Moon from the future, there are conflicting opinions. Some fans question whether Sailor Cosmos is actually Sailor Mars, given that Keiko Kitagawa portrayed the latter character in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. This raises further questions about why Miyuu Sawai, who played Sailor Moon in the show, was not involved in the portrayal of Sailor Cosmos. Additionally, the possibility of Chibi Chibi being Sailor Cosmos is now uncertain. Some fans speculate whether Kitagawa's casting was a deliberate hint or simply a stunt, especially considering her successful career compared to the rest of the cast. On the other hand, there are those who believe that Kotono Mitsuishi, the long-time voice actress for Usagi Tsukino, should have taken on dual roles to unequivocally confirm Sailor Cosmos's identity.
The casting decision ultimately depends on talent and does not provide much insight into the character's identity, adding to the frustration for fans seeking closure. The mystery surrounding Sailor Cosmos' identity seems destined to remain unresolved for now. However, what may be controversial for one fan could potentially serve as a clue for another fan's speculation. Perhaps the movie itself will ultimately provide some clarity and resolve lingering questions.