LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.—Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert Iger pushed back forcefully at criticism from acclaimed Hollywood directors Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola about Marvel Studios’ superhero movies, saying it was disrespectful to the people who work on successful films that audiences enjoy.

Mr. Scorsese, known for movies such as “Goodfellas” and “Raging Bull,” had said earlier this month the productions were more like “theme parks” than cinema. Mr. Coppola this week called them despicable.

“I...