Ok it's just as I thought. I spoke to an actual technician who confirmed that an ext drive can't be connected to the freestyle because the freestyle needs a media player. I thought it had one as I can stream from my tab/phone/laptop but it actually uses the player in the other device.
He recommended 2 different micro HDMI to HDMI adapters and said I should be able able to access a usb thumb drive or ext drive in the BD player. I do have a 4xUSB hub in case the player can handle multiple connected usb. If not, at least I should be able to access a single HDD or thumb drive.
I'll report back next week when I have the adapters.
And I will also look around for a BenQ or Epson or other laser projector with built-in ports or ability to connect a multiport adapter.
Thanks for your's and everyone's help. If anyone has any other ideas or solutions please let me know. I'll report back next week. 
I was able to use this something like this to pass through power and also plug in an external USB drive: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BR3M8XHK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
The freestyle supported the external USB drive and the video formats
