Humility? Did you read the book? It's about excellence. No apologies.

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

I don't think it's necessary to already possess a deep understanding of Ayn Rand's ideas, but whoever is chosen should be in line with the principles. Generally speaking, there are plenty of people who've never heard of Ayn Rand, but have the same basic ideals of individualism. Yes, acting is acting and a good actor can inhabit and embody any role and any belief...but it just wouldn't be right or honest casting someone who doesn't believe the same things as Galt, at least in most respects. Jim Caviezel's name has come up quite a bit...and for good reason. Would definitely agree with that.

gary sinise

B - 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.

If you cannot find a great-looking, talented unknown, please do not use any of the local celebs always in the news! My choice is B and the I would recommend only three...Jim Caviezel, Hugh Jackman & Daniel Day Lewis.

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.

He'd be one hell of a Howard Roark if there was ever a new Fountainhead made!

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. ;-)

Selleck and Voight too

Gary Sinise or some one else who is a "Friend of Abe".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_of_...

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.

Gary Sinise probably has a copy of Rand's books in his library and already read them.

Can you say irony? Jesus plays John Galt...

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.

A. Edward Norton? The goal is to entice watching the film and also be very convincing, good acting is crucial.

I go with Gary Sinese, and Jim Caveisle second

I agree with most of the comments below. Having the actor read the book is almost a no-brainer; my first question for an actor coming to audition would be "Whats your favorite part?".

Coming from an acting background myself, and having read Atlas Shrugged numerous times, I can say with confidence that option A is utterly impossible without option B. There is no actor alive who can fake the kind of conviction that John Galt possesses and get away with it. He might be able to pull off a few of the scenes, but will utterly fail at "This is John Galt Speaking". So if it were me doing the casting, I would have him read some of the more potent lines from that speech as that will certainly separate the good from the bad.