4. A Speaking Protagonist
It's something of a given with J.J. Abrams at the helm, presumably to deliver a blockbuster sci-fi film, but nevertheless there has been rampant discussion online about whether the film should or should not have a mute protagonist much like the games. If Terrence Malick were directing it, then
maybe this would work, but in the vein of crafting an action-packed, exciting, personable sci-fi film, there's no chance in Hell that a studio would sign off on a character who doesn't once speak, especially as it wouldn't make much sense in cinematic terms if other characters are talking to him. These things can be easier disguised in games because
we are the character; we're filling Gordon Freeman's shoes and soaking in the experience, whereas in the movie equivalent, we will of course be a spectator. And this is also exactly why the protagonist needs to be someone other than Gordon, otherwise fans of the game, whether they want to or not, are going to associate that actor's voice with Freeman when they play Half-Life 3 (whenever it comes out).