Josh Hutcherson apologises to fans still traumatised by ‘Bridge to Terabithia’

The actor says strangers still approach him to recall how unexpectedly heartbreaking the 2007 film was

Josh Hutcherson has found himself apologising to an entire generation of viewers who still remember Bridge to Terabithia as one of the most heartbreaking films of their childhood.

The actor recently addressed the enduring reaction to the 2007 Disney film after being asked about viewers who say its story left them emotionally scarred. Hutcherson responded with a lighthearted apology, acknowledging that people still approach him years later to tell him how deeply the film affected them.

"I was one of them. Sorry," Hutcherson said in the video shared by Refinery Australia. He explained that people frequently recognise him in public and bring up their memories of watching the film as children.

"I have so many people come up to me today in the streets, and they literally tell me that I traumatized them as children," he said.

Hutcherson also recalled why the reaction can be so strong. According to the actor, many families went into the cinema expecting a gentle fantasy adventure centred on children creating an imaginary world. Instead, the story ultimately confronted young audiences with grief and loss.

The film, released on February 16, 2007, stars Hutcherson as Jess Aarons and AnnaSophia Robb as Leslie Burke. The two characters form a close friendship and create the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia in the woods near their homes. Disney describes the film as an adventure, drama and family story, with the fantasy world providing an escape from the difficulties the children face in their everyday lives.

The fantasy elements were prominent in the film's marketing, including imagery of magical creatures and the secret kingdom created by Jess and Leslie. However, the story eventually turns towards a devastating loss that forces Jess to confront grief and find a way to carry on with the lessons his friendship with Leslie gave him.

Hutcherson acknowledged the emotional whiplash while discussing the film years after its release. He suggested that while he understood why viewers felt blindsided by the story, he also regarded its treatment of grief as valuable.

"So, I'm sorry, and you're welcome, as I think it's a great intro into grief," he said.

The comments have reignited conversations about Bridge to Terabithia among viewers who remember watching it when they were young. The film has developed a lasting reputation among audiences for delivering an unexpectedly painful emotional experience, particularly for children who approached it expecting a conventional fantasy adventure.

The story was adapted from Katherine Paterson's 1977 novel of the same name, which won the Newbery Medal. Paterson's story was inspired by a tragedy involving her family, while the film adaptation was directed by Gabor Csupo and written by Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson.