I've seen Aoi only in BECK and Ooku, I think, and I liked him in those roles: he was kinda cute, and I thought that he was good. Sano is a different role, but... well, I think he will be good! I'm kinda curious, tbh XD
And in that photo he and Shohei are too cute, right?? Those smiles ♥♥
Oh, you're right! Watching the first version I was always thinking 'HOW can they think she's a boy???'
Maeda seems more boyish XD
The bad thing of reading the manga/watching the anime or another version first is that you'll have prejudice... I HAVE some prejudice, I admit it. But I'm curious to see it, and I don't know if it will be better than the previous version, but... I'm pretty sure it won't be bad!