That's right.

I agree.

You need to have an Objectivist and then train him to act, and all will fall into place. As stated below, let's not have another Gary Cooper from "Fountainhead" whose lack of understanding of Ayn Rand's principles showed in his acting.

He must look like Galt (or at least not like an anti-Galt, like the actor in AS II before they blacked out his face), and act as though he believes what Galt believes. This means he must be a good actor, and w. a good actor, we needn't worry about his actual beliefs.

I think the actor's eyes will be very important. His expression must not be flat, but have a twinkling that indicates a deep knowledge, confidence and understanding of the importance of ideas in the world. The viewer needs to see what Dagny sees when she first looks in Galt's eyes. An actor who can do that will then fit in with the rest of the role. He should be in his 30's to be true to the novel and to fit in with Dagny and Francisco's age.

Someone who is a true beliver in real life not just an "Actor"

Hank Rearden. I like Tom Hanks but for me he tainted himself with the DaVinci code.

I'm new to this. So much comments will probably tell.
1st of all, my lady friend & I just sat down this wknd to watch Atlas 1 & 2. I had seen 1 on Netflix already once. I ordered both. She liked the 1st enough to want to watch the 2nd.
Well, call us idealistic, but we were both highly disappointed at all the actors being changed, especially for Reardon & Dagney, bc regardless of anything, they had a real chemistry on the screen. I'm sure it had to do with contracts, such as "Defiance," etc. However, if they cd make what, 6 it 7 Harry Potter movies using all the same folks, well, I guess the point is made, tho rather moot, since it's academic now.
Having said that, our hats' off to the producer(s) for making it interesting enough to eventually put that issue aside. Since I haven't looked at any particulars, I have no clue if they're changing everyone again or keeping them. If they can at least have them look close to the same...the change for Eddie was going extreme.
Now, that bring's us to the "Who is (should be) John Galt?" I think a much younger Charlton Heston wd have been perfect. Unfortunately he wd only be good for part 10 (no offence, just age factor).
I cd see Gary S. doing it. If, as someone suggested, it be possibly a brother, I wd have to say, regardless of age, Denzel W. But I cd also see Kevin Sorbo (not knowing his politics). You may think that a joke. But I think he cd pull it off, if he understood Ayn's work & at least agreed in principal [altho some said 'A' even if the person didn't agree, as long as they were competent actors, I'd have to disagree, bc there are too many lies & deceptions going on in our current gov't already, & if you put say, an ardent Obamanite in John Galt's role, it wd be detrimental to the film, if in fact the film's purpose is to present Ayn's vision...at least in my humble & ltd opinion].
Who's been playing John Galt thus far in the shadows? Is the not capable? Or has that not been him?
Anyways there's a lot of good opinions. Someone said they envisioned a blond. I saw a dark-haired man. If it wasn't for his accent (I think he'd have a time doing anything American accent...at least I've never heard him speak it) wd be Jason Statham. Speaking of Jason's, Matt Damon, altho he might be too short. That's probably why I said Kevin.
What about Christian Bale?
In short, I believe it's going to need to be, as someone said, Door nbr 3, 'C', a mix of both. OK. That's enuff from a ramblin' ADH'er (that's someone blessed w ADHD! :-D ).

Gregory Peck was Atticus Finch. George C. Scott was Patton. We need someone who can fill that bill for John Galt. I see Galt as virile, brilliant and not over, say, 50. He worked for 20th Century Motors, so I don't think he's much younger than, say, 32. As far as an actor goes, this leaves out the obvious Clint Eastwood. I like Keifer Sutherland or Bruce Willis. I like the idea of an actor who is at least entertained by Atlas Shrugged or, better yet, is emotionally invested in it, as Gary Cooper was in "Fountainhead." or Reagan was in "Knute Rockne: All American." Even though he has been ostracized by Hollywood for his Left Behind roles, I also like Kirk Cameron. Overall, the actor should exude the dogmatism, self-confidence, diffidence and intelligence that I feel embodies John Galt. Keith Murphy

I would prefer a believable character, more commited to the qualitiy of his craft than his public persona, believably capable of disciplined violence. Timothy Olyphant and Jim Caviezel come to mind.

Ken Wahl

A

Richard Branson

First to mind is Brad Pitt as he has the belief in Ayn Rand...

did you see someone in here called themselves dballing-their comment looks suspiciously like something jml would say

lol, ohio. good point

John Hamm is another actor.
Yes, Bradley Cooper or John Hamm only.

Bradley Cooper is the only actor who could play Galt. I would give him a screen test.

Referring the comment on Damon below. I'd cetainly never cast him, but he certainly lacks "pain, fear, or guilt," whether he should or shouldn't.

I saw Jason Beghe in a rerun of NCIS last night on the USA network.
Rebecca Wysocky (Lillian in AS Pt1) has also guest starred on NCIS.

I thought of him, but think he's too old now.

Ewan McGregor

B

The 3 hours reference is actually in the book.
Takes me more than 3 hours to read it.
I wonder how long it takes for Edward Herrman to read it aloud in the Book on Tape.

Good point. But I think they should hire someone that can really attract public. The message is just too important, and honestly I think the first two parts didn't do a good job of delivering it. In fact, I'd rather have an HBO series with at least 10 episodes. Now THAT would do it...