Galt would be best served by an actor who has, at least, some understanding of Ayn Rand's ideas...I would consider David Strathairn as a likely Galt candidate. Another possibility is the rising star Ryan Gosling. Damon doesn't strike me as believable simply because of his leftist rants.

jon voight
He is passionate and knowledgeable about the founding principles of this country. I believe his superb acting skill and notable accolades would be positives attributes for the film.

B without doubt

Nathan Fillion (aka Captain Mal from the Firefly series on TV and subsequent movie, Serenity).

Firefly has a cult following, and the series/movie is very libertarian (despite being produced by Joss Whedon who is a flaming liberal).

Nathan Fillion would be a great choice for John Galt. His portrayal of Captain Mal in Firefly was tremendous, and is very similar to John Galt.

Plus he has that perfect stone face of "I know you think that, but thinking doesn't make it true... {...you idiot}"

AND, he's not too big an actor that he would just shrug this off

Please stop changing actors period. Other than wandering occasionally from the book, which all movies must do, the greatest failing of the movies is the lack of continuity of main actors. It is confusing to the audience and the uneducated viewer (those who haven't read the book) spend 1/3 or more of the movie digesting the change and missing the message.

B. I would hope the actor understood and embraced Rand's ideas. We don't really know what John Galt "looks" like but the book clearly spells out how he thinks and acts - and, in my opinion, that is what counts. If you must pick someone from the Hollywood list, please be sure they are not a Progressive, Liberal, Obama backer! I would also like to have all of Galt's speech somehow included in movie 3.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0568180/bio
Neal McDonough
The look, the acting chops, the understanding, the political understanding and the grit. And people remember him from Flags of our Fathers, Band of Brothers.

You know I've thought about this and from a marketing standpoint I really think a name like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, or Shawn Hannity would be a way to go. They believe in Atlas Shrugged, they would plug the hell out it on their shows, AND have the lame street press up in arms which would be another marketing win.

Ahh, I have an idea.. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. They are out conservatives, and they could probably handle the roles. They do a reasonable job of looking the part, while not being too old and I suspect they have a reasonable understanding of the material. But, please keep Mr Thompson cast with Ray Wise, he will eat the role up.

Leonardo Decaorio Has nailed every part he has played, Howard Hughes, J Edgar, character in Blood Diamond, he could absolutely take this role and make it his own.

Leo Has nailed every part he has played, Howard Hughes, J Edgar, character in Blood Diamond, he could absolutely take this role and make it his own.

Sam Sheppard would be the best choice I can think of. He was terrific in the Right Stuff and comes with little baggage.

B without any question. Please remember how foolish the actors were in The Fountainhead. Without UNDERSTANDING what they were saying, particularly Gary Cooper, they looked arrogant and aloof. John Galt is the entirety of Ayn Rands perfect man and is an aspiration of such. This however must include the societal standard of strength ie jawline, chiseled features and NOT pretty! These actors cannot recite lines! Sincere passion and matter of fact presentation without arrogance by the strong characters must be displayed. If an actor does not get it, they cannot speak it no matter how good of an actor they are. Their conviction will not be there.
Break the mold finally when putting Ayn Rand on screen. Fountainhead failed miserably and part3 has got to knock our socks off!!

Ask Taylor Schilling who she would choose for Galt, then go with her recommendation.

The director needs to possess a deep understanding and passion for Ayn Rand's beliefs, much moreso than the actors. That is, I suspect, why I found the first movie so compelling. I doubt Taylor Shilling or Jsu Garcia had deep passions for Ayn Rand, but I felt their portrayal really shone through. I'm not a movie guy (done a little acting here and there), but I suspect the primary reason for that, aside from their prior training, was that the director got across to them the intent of the material.

For once in my lifetime, I would like to see, as John Galt, a person who really believes what he's saying. And not just some actor who will pretend to believe what he's saying because he's going to get paid to play the role. Surely, out there in the midst of 300 million people, ONE MAN fills both needs . . . fits the physical description AND believes in what he's saying.

Don't forget the world of soap operas.... they are professional but not necessarily recognizable. A few suggestions, all blondish: Scott Reeves (known to be conservative, in his 40s, sharp good looks); Peter Bergman or Billy Miller (Jack and Billy, Y&R - politics unknown); James Scott (E.J. DiMera, Days - politics unknown - British but could lose the accent, surely). Eric Martsolf (Brady, Days - politics unknown). Wish I knew more of their political views, but the smart ones keep their mouths shut!

I suggest Jim Caviezel. I believe he is conservative although I don't know about libertarian. He does appear to be a very ethical man. He is tall and very good looking although not in the most obvious way. He has also played atypical roles.

Leonardo DeCaprio hands down

I vote for A. When this actor starts to research his role, he will become B and will be changed forever.

A. As long as the actor looks and acts like John Galk, I don't care what his personal beliefs are. Atlas Shrugged Part 3 should focus on getting well-trained actors who will make a well-made movie. If the script is 100% reflects Ayn Rand's ideas, then a well-trained actor regardless of his personal beliefs will make the character come to life in the movie.

No real comments except both actors in previous seemed a little emotionless and cold ... when the "bad guys" do what they do, there should be a little anger and emotion!

Omar Epps! In the '80s I would have said Denzel Washington (opposite Jodie Foster as Dagny!), but he is obviously too old for the role.

I know Galt is supposed to be a blond, but think about it. He is described as "self-made in every sense, out of nowhere, penniless, parentless, tie-less". He succeeds without any support from society, purely on the content of his mind and his character. To me that is a perfect descrioption of a black non-Liberal.

Epps has already proved himself a competent actor and his stint on House has gotten people used to viewing him as no-nonsene, intelligent and ruthlessly moral.

The black culture in this country is just screaming for a self-reliant, intellectual role-model. My theory is that Obama succeeded in gaining the presidency partly by tapping into this need by refusing to play the typical black victim. Yes, it was a scam, but it was a highly successful one. Black people deserve the real thing.

I would love to see Simon Baker in the role.

B