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Reader Discussion: Do You Trust J.J. Abrams With Film Adaptations Of Portal And Half-Life?

reader discussion
by Louis Garcia on February 18, 2013 at 06:25 PM
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Director J.J. Abrams was recently handed the director’s chair for the new Star Wars film, and while at this year’s D.I.C.E. Conference, he announced that a deal had been made with Valve for a series of adaptations based on some of their video game properties.

Abrams and Valve president and co-founder Gabe Newell revealed the partnership during their keynote speech about storytelling in their respective mediums, with both Half-Life and Portal revealed as projects set for film adaptations. 

Newell previously exposed a film studio’s idea to create a Half Life film – one that included horses and cavalry charges – that he turned down. Abrams may appreciate that both properties are sci-fi fare, but with a component that may be difficult to adapt: mute main characters. 

Other characters – especially Portal’s GLaDOS – make up the bulk of the dialogue and atmosphere. However, if the video below can create an interesting premise for a film adaptation of Portal, perhaps Abrams can too. 

What do you think about films based on two of Valve’s most popular properties? Who would you cast in the leading roles? I like the idea of Bryan Cranston as tire iron-wielding Gordon Freeman. How many of you just want Half-Life 3?

Sound off in the comments below.

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Comments
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  • by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:30 PM
    Love the idea, hope you can pull it off..
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:31 PM
    I would see Half-life as the easier property to make a film for simply because it actually has a larger cast of characters. Anyway, I'd like to see him take a stab at it. He'd have a better chance than most directors to make it decent.
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:33 PM
    Now we can watch Portal: The movie with lens flare. Joking aside, I don't see how a Portal film would work; the plot is so minimalist, he'll probably add a bunch of new characters and crap
  • by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:33 PM
    If any director could do it, it would be Abrams. The most crucial issue though would probably be casting. Nothing could be worse than seeing Half-life the Movie starring Nicolas Cage as Gordon.
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:34 PM
    Stay away from Gordon Freeman, Chell and any of other main characters directly and you really can't go wrong. Half Life lore/universe is very rich indeed, shouldn't be a problem.
  • by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:37 PM
    I really don't think Portal can be done without changing the feel of the story. I just don't see it.
  • by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:38 PM
    *Gets into character* NO WAY! ONLY ONE PERSON/THING HANDLES ME! THE PLAYER IN THE FORM OF CHELL!
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:40 PM

    I think Half-Life is a lot better suited for the silver screen than Portal, but I have faith and respect for J.J. Abrams to do both (if he so chooses).

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:43 PM
    Despite the reputation of J.J. Abrams, I think we should leave all of the Valve Franchises as video games, no need for movies here, move along.
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:46 PM
    A Portal film would be difficult, considering the lack of characters. However, if he makes the film about how Aperture Laboratories started, that would be cool!
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:47 PM
    In answer to your question: No, I don't want that. Leave these games as games.
  • by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:47 PM
    Sure, why not? He actually managed to make Star Trek look interesting. If he can do that then he can make any franchise look interesting. A Portal movie would be incredibly stupid though. Half Life and Left 4 Dead would make more sense.
  • by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:50 PM

    "How many of you just want Half-Life 3?"

    Not me. I haven't even played the first two :P

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:53 PM

    If Valve is overlooking it, sure, I'm sure it'll be fine.

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:54 PM

    I think Hugh Laurie looks more like Gordon Freeman than Bryan Cranston.

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:55 PM
    Half Life would definitely be easier to pull off, with some Portal thrown in there. As for whether JJ Abrams could pull it off.....maybe. I don't really know anyone that could do it perfectly, as Valve games (especially these 2)are so unique and innovative. I'm in full support of JJ having a go at these properties.
  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:56 PM

    I like J.J Abrams.

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:58 PM

    Games have a formula that doesn't translate well to movies. I'm not talking about action, because even Journey wouldn't make for a good movie. Movies can have similar tones and characters as games, such as Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, but games pull and prod people's emotions differently than movies. That said, if it's a good movie then it's a good movie.

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 06:59 PM

    I've never played Half-life, so I can't weigh in on that, but to me, a Portal movie is just unnecessary. The games really work best as just games, and it's difficult for me to imagine it the way I could a Halo or Uncharted movie (though I do think the latter is cinematic enough to justify not coming to the big screen).

  •
    by Monday, February 18, 2013 at 07:00 PM
    I will watch any movie this man touches. He respects the movies he is involved in and does what most directors can't and that's make quality films. I can't wait to see what he does with these two films.
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