Jason O'Mara did a fine job in small role in Band of Brothers 12 years ago; is just about the right age for Galt. His Lt. Meehan was a strong quiet competent leader; just what you need. Tall, rangy, good looking and well trained in the profession.

Graham Beckel - Graham S. Beckel, the sane son in the Beckel family, his brother is Bob Beckel on Fox's The Five", is an American character actor. He is known for his prolific guest appearances on television but has had prominent roles in several major films as well.
He'd be perfect!!!

I feel this should be an unknown actor,
someone know one has seen before. Let us be as those in Rand's story. Witnessing a John Galt for the first time.

Tom Selleck, Robert Duvall, Sam Elliot.

Any good actor will want to understand the character and storyline. As long as he's not a known liberal, I'm OK with any good actor. Was hoping for Grant Bowler but probably not to be.

By all means the answer should be B.

Leo DeCaprio, gets into the character learning all he can about them so I think he would do a great job or Simon Baker or elephant

gary sinise

Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Robert Redford, Tom Selleck

There should have been one actor to play John Galt for all three parts of the movie. The same applies to each of the other characters. Can you imagine The Sopranos, or Mad Men, or Boardwalk Empire, or Damages, or The Good Wife with a different cast every season? That would be ridiculous, just as it is ridiculous that Atlas Shrugged has an entirely different cast for each of its three parts.

The most important quality for the role of John Galt is acting ability. Rand's dialog isn't easy to deliver, and especially not easy to deliver with realism, emotion and conviction (she was, after all, writing a book, not a screenplay).
Just as an example: Michael Keaton might be the least Batman-looking actor ever, but he is a skilled and talented performer, who made the part come alive. He even added a few quirks to the character that all the writers of Batman stories over the years never thought of. On the other hand, Steven Segal looked *exactly* like Bruce Wayne back then, he's a big, intimidating-looking guy, and with a martial-arts background to boot ('boot to the head,' to be specific). The problem is, he's not a good actor. Keaton saved the films; Segal would have sunk them.
Get somebody good. Everything else follows from the actor's ability. The only exception I can think of would be that almost-mystical quality of 'screen presence' (think Clint Eastwood) - that you just have to be lucky to get.
I would also suggest casting someone who is relatively unknown. An unfamiliar face will help the audience accept a near-mythic character like John Galt more easily.

B would be great if he could also accomplish A. I would say A is the priority as if that fails to deliver his personal beliefs would be lost on those who may be affected by a great performance but turn away from bad casting. The message is critical but it has to be delivered well too.

Scott,
I think an age limit should've been suggested...or at least a cut off for only mentioning actors that AREN'T DEAD yet... This is amazing! If you have some how mastered the ability to bring back the dead, and UNage them then I choose Gregory Peck. OY!

How about Sean Doyle, he is Jerry Doyle's son so I am going to guess he is probably damn near to being one of us already. Also, look at his work. It speaks for itself.

We all have our own mental picture of what John Galt should look, talk and act like. Give us photos or videos of the potential actors you have in mind and let us pick.

If there is a clear winner, you will have an actor which will most likely not disappoint us, since it will be an actor that the majority here feels is a good match. Also, we will be the ones responsible for choosing him and no one likes to say they were wrong. ;-)

Whoever is chosen to play Galt, the actor should have the following qualities:

1) Have a handsome but rugged appearance
2) Be able to exude in even the subtlest of ways a passion for Ayn Rand's ideals.
3) Have read "Atlas Shrugged" and prove philosophical understanding of its tenets through critique and discussion.
4) Exhibit a comfort in the role
5) Make me (the viewer) believe in you!

A. i prefer a great actor who can make me BELIEVE he IS John Galt as opposed to just an actor w/ the deep understanding yet I cannot stand to watch.

A good actor should be able to play John Galt regardless of his personal beliefs, however, I think someone who John Galt will add a spark of brilliance to the performance.

Of the suggestions I've seen so far, James Caviezel is probably the best although at 45 he may be pushing the age limits. I would definitely give Jonathan Jackson a reading though. Has the looks and the youth but not sure if he has the acting chops.

I go with Gary Sinese, and Jim Caveisle second

The dude who played GUS in Breaking Bad would be cool as John Galt. He is black tho, and I think John Galt was white in the book.

My vote is for Harrison Ford.

Well, to be honest I was REALLY disappointed with the actors in the second movie. The third movie needs to be redemption for the second. The second movie was written well, I was just let down by the characters. Whoever plays John Galt needs to be a complete reflection of the character. They must have the complete look and attitude of John Galt, research the role properly.

C. The actor needs to look and act like John Galt and possess a deep understanding of Ayn Rand's ideas.

It is probably too late in the process for this but a national or touring casting event along the lines of "Who is John Galt?" where people from various cities all audition until you can find just the right person. The talent is out there and you don't have to go to Hollyweird to find it!

If that isn't an option, I'd have to go with A.

(fwiw - an event like this would also be really good publicity for the movie)