Today Walt Disney Pictures announced new premiere dates for several of their important future releases, including two from their blockbuster CGI animation division Pixar.

The fishy sequel Finding Dory was originally supposed to open on November 25, 2015. It has been pushed back to June 17, 2016. Dory’s old release slot has instead been given to the studio’s next original feature The Good Dinosaur, which has been delayed a year-and-a-half from its original May 30, 2014 date. Stepping into that opening slot will be Maleficent, an alternate take on the story of Sleeping Beauty told from the perspective of the story’s villain, played by Angelina Jolie. The movie will be released in 3D.

The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming slate of films is one to be reckoned with, a truly vast array of incredible experiences that will undoubtedly win over audiences. Having seen previews of most films on the 2014 schedule at the Disney D23 Expo, as well as even some to debut in 2015 and 2016, I can say this is an exciting time at the Studio.

Here are my thoughts on what I am most anticipating based on the amazing content I viewed.

Angelina Jolie made an appearance today at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA at the live-action panel for the exclusive first look from her upcoming film, Disney’s Maleficent. A description of the footage is located at the end of this post.

Jolie wowed the crowd at D23, as they erupted upon her entrance, when she joined Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, on stage. Bailey said that the filmmakers only wanted one name for this role, as they felt Jolie would be a perfect fit. Yes, she is ideal, oozing chills and vivacity in the role. Bailey also showcased some artwork of the castle and woods.

Audiences may find themselves “rooting for the other side,” Bailey indicated, in that the story from Maleficent’s perspective will give new insight into the popular Disney villain.

Production for the long gestating Maleficent started less than a week ago, and now we are getting a first look at Angelina Jolie as the titular character. Click on the image below for a large view.

Jolie was the perfect fit to play the villainess; her long, slender, and sexy look would provide a fresh take on the classic character. According to Disney, “This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.”

Back in April it was first reported that Sharlto Copley, star of District 9 and The A-Team, was in talks to play the villain in Spike Lee’s remake of Oldboy. This week that casting was officially confirmed, and now the actor is adding more new projects to his to-do list.

It’s being reported that Copley has entered into negotiations to play the male lead in Maleficent, the Walt Disney retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fable that focuses on the evil villain. Angelina Jolie is set to star as Maleficent, while Copley would be playing King Stefan.