The Walt Disney Company has been around for more than 100 years, and during that century-plus the studio has developed a reputation for wholesome, all-ages entertainment. Because of that reputation, Disney is often an easy target when it dares to stray from a very narrow definition of "family-friendly."

It’s not uncommon for Hollywood studios to be attacked by conservatives for anything resembling diversity in race, gender, or sexuality. But many right-wing outlets have pushed Disney into the middle of the culture war even when its executives — including CEO Bob Iger — clearly want nothing to do with that.

Within the past week, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has drawn ire among social media commentators for revealing a female Silver Surfer (played by Emmy winner Julia Garner) in the latest trailer, which is being presented among some quarters as evidence of Mouse House's alleged “woke agenda.” If this all sounds familiar, that...