Channing Tatum and lower the ages of the current characters

I disagree with Damian Lewis, also Sinese, . Good actor, but not Galt. Same with Guy Pearce.

I completely agree with mrknowmo. The actor playing Galt has to be the full package. The face has to be strong, not soft. The body, lean but muscular (he is, after all, working on the railroad), ideally several inches taller than Dagny, unprepossessing, but with the kind of charisma that is born, not 'acted'.

I could see Cumberbatch (if he already has a good understanding of Rand), Caveziel, possibly, if he quits looking like he just ate something sour.

Otherwise, search the pool for someone unknown. You will know him the moment he walks into the room. And, if he is auditioning for Atlas Shrugged, he has already read the book and has at least an inkling of what he would have to project as Galt.

Iain Glen is too old. Galt is still young. Even at about 42, he should look like his outlook is young. But I actually think of Galt as late 30's rather than 40's.

I believe good looks can be a contributing factor in finding the right actor, yet attitude and an understanding of Rand's ideas is important too. Try to find someone who possess both

Regrettably, actor John Huston is no longer with us. Were he still here, he would be my choice: a gruff, grizzled businessman with a towering presence - one who has reached the pinnacle of success in spite of the impediments thrown in his path by a bureaucracy run amok. He clearly understands that the producers are outnumbered and the only way to prevail is to convince them to stop producing, let the country grind to a halt and then pick up the pieces. Morgan Freeman would fit the description, but he's probably too expensive and too liberal. The casting director has his work cut out for him.

B

Simon Baker
He has a blameless smile

B.

as for John Galt's Speech -- it's 3 hrs. long, obviously won't work in a film. should be shot as a montage -- even Rocky had a montage -- with the most important points emphasized, along with close-ups of reactions by pertinent characters. the entire Speech should be included in the DVD for us, the truly dedicated.

maybe no one has considered him, but i vote emphatically for Adrien Brody. physically, he fits, his eyes are everything i expect to see in John Galt's eyes, and for goodness' sake, he doesn't have to be "hollywood handsome". Brody is incredibly talented -- i don't know his personal philosophy, but i am convinced that he would actually BE John Galt. it is, after all, acting, and Brody is just unexpected enough to be the right choice.

B. The actor needs to possess a deep understanding of, and passion for, Ayn Rand's ideas first and foremost.
Good actors are a dime a dozen in Hollywood, and to really pull this off and make the character believable it's best the actor thinks like John Galt thinks. Or, if not, at least Galt should be played by an unknown because it is very hard to separate the actor from the character he plays!

A

If this was 10 years ago or better I would say Larry Wilcox (CHIPS) however a lean lanky country boy type who can act will work by me. Attractive in a natural sort of way with a disarming smile.

I would be highly disappointed to have a Hollywood liberal cast in any of the characters of heroic "character". I would be fine if any of them were to play any of the moochers because that would fit what we see from them in reality. I would much rather have a new fresh face that fit the character to play John Galt. I would prefer for it to be someone who does believe in the philosophy. It is so hard to get anything done with all of the moocher mentality out there that I do try to do everything that I can to vote with my dollars. I try not to support people working against us with my hard earned money. It is time to make the effort to support like minded people while trying to educate the rest. Casting someone in this movie who preaches against our values defeats the purpose of all that we do or try to do. I would probably not go to see this last movie if a liberal actor were picked. I would just give up on this series of movies and stick to reading the book over and over again.

he must stand out even when he is not trying to, he must have a presence like no other in the world. he must be mysterious, appear worldly, ancient, and while outwardly exhibiting all these qualities, appear relaxed, humble and gracious.

B!

I choose option "B"

The part of John Galt should be someone new and fresh that understands the concept of Rand's work. Frankly , I should play the part.

How about a good looking, conservative or libertarian actor who can really bring passion to the role? If an outspoken left-winger/socialist played the role, I would have a hard time watching the movie. IMHO, someone like Rob Lowe would be good in the role.

William Petersen, actor that portrayed Gil Grissom on t v series CSI Las Vegas would fit the mold of a John Galt

Because this will be a lead role, the man cast also needs to be able to sell the film on publicity tours.

I'd really like to see Jeff Bridges in the movie. He's too old for Galt, but perhaps as one of the resident's of the Gulch.

I love Gary Sinese, but he might be too short unless you hire a short Dagny. Toby McGuire is way too young. A lot depends upon the Dagny hire. After all, the book and the films are primarily centered on her character. From a practical standpoint, you don't want to hire an actor for JG that will overshadow her. And, of course, it has to be an actor that is affordable. There might be a really good character actor that could pull it off.

Eastwood, Selleck, Senise

Personally, I'd prefer to see Kurt Russel, Sean Bean or Keanu Reeves as John Galt.