I kind of think A & B equally, but more B. But then again, when I saw Mark Pellegrino playing Jacob on LOST, I thought he was John Galt.

I like Selleck, too, but - oh, wait, that was a different thread. start over.
Selleck would be good too, but REMEMBER
"The face without pain or fear or guilt." No way can I see Selleck doing that one.

Thank you for saving me from having to say that.

In Fountainhead, Cooper [who did not impress me, on many levels] said that he didn't understand a word of Roark's court scene. Until I read that, I didn't realize WHY I never believed in him. I especially didn't believe the "broken stone" scene with Dominique. He not only didn't get it, he didn't understand it - so he literally COULD NOT show the character or the ideas. A lot of times you can say "You're an actor, act like the costume fits!" and it works. "You're an actor, act like John Galt" is impossible.

In Fountainhead, Cooper [who did not impress me, on many levels] said that he didn't understand a word of Roark's court scene. Until I read that, I didn't realize WHY I never believed in him. I especially didn't believe the "broken stone" scene with Dominique. He not only didn't get it, he didn't understand it - so he literally COULD NOT show the character or the ideas. A lot of times you can say "You're an actor, act like the costume fits!" and it works. "You're an actor, act like John Galt" is impossible.

Within reason, the ability to act is paramount. If he is an Elsworth Toohey type it will most likely come through via his sense of life - so you will not pick him.

Have you considered the idea of not having Galt in the movie - other than in relief as with the ending of ASII. It will be so hard to find the right actor. You will not have the time to develop the character. This means leaving out the speach, but in my view the movie is not the appropriate vehicle for the speach. Excite those whose sense of life is in accord with the philosophy, to read the book!

Ha, ha, ha. Obama would ruin the show just by mentioning him. He is much better suited for the evil Emperor in Star Wars. I did like him in The Bible as Satan on the History channel. Gary Cooper's speech in The Fountainhead to this day is the longest speech made in film history because Any Rand made sure nothing was cut. I admire your mind.

Have you seen Alan Partridge??

These are 2 excellent examples, but it IS rare.

And I agree with you! Just stating priorities. You could have the most fabulous ensemble cast in the known universe, and if it had Obama in it, I'm sure he'd say that it WAS the best cast ever (ain't he somethin'?) - and if they got the philosophy wrong or shortchanged it (that's my real concern - how do you do this book justice?) it - imagine "Hello this is John Galt" reduced to 30 seconds because of fear of poor audience attention span! I promise the producers - the fans of this book *WILL* sit through the entire speech! The masses might be wanting to go home to watch Dancing with the Stars. But I want to hear that speech - IN FULL! Do it with stick figures if that's the only way to keep the costs manageable - just do it.

Gary Sinise

I'm sure there are plenty of excellent but unknown actors who would have been available for all three parts.

Actor for Galt in this order... Glenn Beck, Tom Selleck, former Senator Fred Thompson, Clint Eastwood. Depends on the age you want Galt to be in the movie.

Iain Glen from Game of Thrones and Jack Taylor

B. Only someone who truly believes in the message of Atlas Shrugged should play the part of John Galt.

Preferably someone who is believable, clear, empathetic, and can who convey Rand's ideas in a speech that is not 70 or so pages (or 3 hours aloud according to some estimates) long. Cut to the chase and slam dunk it to the audience. Reach the "noobs", as it were but don't dumb it down either.

I agree

I hope it's NOT Hollywood. Note that "The Day the Earth Stood Still" picked an excellent actor unknown to the American public and he was ideal! We need an actor, not a philosopher, to protray an engineer frustrated with a system not recognizing anyone's quality of work and paying "value for value"; I think it's a damn good story with a great "hook": 'Who is John Galt'. Don't get a "star"; get an actor that tells the story!

I think you had the correct actor in AS2. DB Sweeney is perfect.

Definitely A. Get the best actor for the role, regardless of their personal beliefs. I don't know if you have the budget, but I think Jonathan Rhys-Myers would be perfect! You need someone who's screen presence is INTENSE without saying a word.

B

That he actually believes what he is saying and doing. You do not need a stealth Liberal who is only acting!

I picture John Galt as confident, in good physical condition, about 40-45. He is quietly strong. Total adherence to his decisions and beliefs.
Laughs easily and is full of joy because he knows he creates his world.
The actors personal beliefs are irrelevant IF he can portray the person John Galt would have to be according to Ayn Rand.

Number one problem with both the first and second move has always been bad casting and directing. There not people you what to follow. They don’t need to be followers of the book. They need to be really good at there job. Harry potter really can’t cast spells. He’s an actor…..

C. Heston--too bad, is there another actor out there like him???
Maybe someone Grammer--how about Cain--Superman returns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!