Disney’s Backlash For Faux Chronicles Of Narnia Replacement Addressed By Star 19 Years Later

Published Nov 15, 2026, 12:11 PM EST Growing up around performers, storytelling was always central to Emma's life. Add in a nerdy older brother who introduced her to Marvel at far too young an age, and her love for entertainment led her to pursue a Journalism degree at Indiana University, where she discovered her passion for entertainment reporting. She spent nearly one year in Los Angeles covering industry stories and fully immersing herself in the world of entertainment media. AnnaSophia Robb is reflecting on her heartbreaking role in Disney's Bridge to Terabithia nearly two decades after its release. Released in 2007, Bridge to Terabithia starred Robb as Leslie Burke opposite The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson as Jesse Aarons. Based on Katherine Paterson's 1977 novel, the fantasy drama follows two young outsiders who form an unlikely friendship and create an imaginary kingdom to escape their troubled lives. Despite being marketed as a fantasy adventure resembling The Chronicles of Narnia, the movie takes a heartbreaking turn when Leslie unexpectedly dies, leaving Jesse to cope with losing his best friend. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Robb addressed the lasting emotional impact of Bridge to Terabithia, revealing that viewers still approach her about the movie nearly 20 years later. Despite fans claiming the film traumatized them as children, the actor has no regrets about its darker themes, explaining: People walk up to me all the time, and they're like, 'We cried in the movie theater, and you traumatized me in childhood.' Will I apologize? No. I think it's healthy. I think it's so beautiful to have films, especially for kids, that tackle real-world things. Robb went on to explain that the movie explores fantasy, imagination, friendship, hardships at home, and the experience of finding and eventually losing a best friend. Robb isn't the only Bridge to Terabithia star to address the movie's lasting impact. In a previous interview shared by Entertainment Weekly, Hutcherson discussed how fans still approach him about being traumatized by Leslie's death. Hutcherson apologized for the heartbreak the movie caused viewers but echoed Robb's belief that its emotional impact was an important part of the story. Rearrange the movies into the correct US release order. Although Bridge to Terabithia is remembered for its emotional ending, the movie also faced controversy over its marketing. Disney and Walden Media promoted the adaptation as a fantasy adventure resembling The Chronicles of Narnia, emphasizing its magical creatures and imaginary world. The trailers led some viewers to expect another family-friendly fantasy blockbuster rather than a coming-of-age drama centered on grief and loss. The marketing campaign drew criticism from audiences for misrepresenting the movie's darker themes, becoming another example of how movie studios have misled viewers through promotional material. Even director Gábor Csupó distanced himself from the marketing campaign, telling The New York Times that the filmmakers had no involvement in the movie's promotion. He also emphasized that Bridge to Terabithia was not intended to be another Harry Potter-style fantasy adventure. While Bridge to Terabithia featured fantastical creatures, those elements primarily represented Jesse and Leslie's imagination rather than an actual magical world. The contrast made the movie's darker moments even more unexpected for younger viewers. Leslie's death in Bridge to Terabithia remains one of the movie's most memorable moments. After forming a close friendship with Jesse, Leslie dies in an accident while attempting to cross a creek, leaving him struggling with grief and guilt. The tragedy was especially shocking for younger audiences who had anticipated a more traditional fantasy adventure. However, Robb believes the movie's willingness to explore difficult subjects is what makes it meaningful. During her interview, she also discussed how Paterson's novel was inspired by the unexpected death of her son's best friend. The author wrote the story to help her son understand why terrible things can happen to good people. Robb has since appeared in projects including Soul Surfer, The Carrie Diaries, and Little Fires Everywhere. More recently, she joined the cast of I Play Rocky, portraying Sasha Czack, Sylvester Stallone's first wife, opposite Anthony Ippolito as the young actor. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the biographical drama follows Stallone's struggle to bring the original Rocky to the screen. I Play Rocky is in theaters now. Bridge to Terabithia is currently available to stream on Disney+. Release Date February 16, 2007 Runtime 95 Minutes Director Gabor Csupo