Michael Weatherly

An ideal John Galt would be C. Heston.

I would suggest Jared Padalecki.

Also, consider the incredibly talented Hugh Jackman
srice922

I disagree. I think Patrick Jane is an uber smart character who keeps his cool and isn't pushed around or influenced by anyone. Aside from The Mentalist though, I've seen Baker in many different roles and he's quite good and versatile and handsome. I think he'd be a great Galt.

If we had a younger Sam Elliott, we would have the perfect John Galt.

Theo James (Plays Walter Clark on the TV series "Golden Boy"

Dean Cameron

How about Matthew Fox?

Atlas's John Galt must be good looking and absolutely unflappable..."The Mentalist"'s Simon Baker immediately comes to mind.

I have to vote Gary Sinese, AGAIN. After reading comments that he "lacks the kind of charisma to attract people to his cause", I have to vehemently disagree. He possesses EXACTLY that kind of quiet, certain charisma. He is the real deal, if you can get him.

Ryan Gosling

Do not go mainstream. The challenge is to find a man that embodies Galt's ideals and character. In my opinion, it should not be an "actor" but rather an individual with the right things to say.

Denzel Washington for John Galt

Gary Sinise

Take a look at Robert Taylor, now working over at A&E's Longmire. He'd be a nice fit.

were he still around, I would pick Raymond Massey without any hesitation. "Things To Come" is one of those benchmark sci-fi films that was enhanced by Massey's monologues and the characters he portrayed in the film have some stunning similarities to John Galt.

Is there a modern-day Massey? I can't think of one at the moment.

B. I would hope that the actor would have a complete understanding of the character and why. I think it will really help with the passion in the A is A speech

I believe Jim Caviezel would be the perfect man of the job.

Myself
if we hire me I will be John Galt

I vote Daniel Craig! Loved Starfall!

I've been reading AS since I was 13 years old. I always pictured Robert Redford as Galt. So I'd have to pick Brad Pitt since he reminds me of Redford. All I ask is....please please get rid of the actress who played Dagny is AS2. She physically didn't fit the part and her acting was hollow. She was totally unbelievable trying to run a transcontinental railroad.

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