Not to say that there aren't times when studios will take a chance on some more radical film makers (and produce some interesting films out of them), but to assume a general independence seems a little naive, studios wouldn't risk that with this much money at play.

I think it depends not only on the directors on board but the creative control they have over the product. Regardless of the artistic credibility a certain director may have, when they're brought on to such a big money major franchise, final say on pretty much anything still sits with the studios - as they pretty much…