Well Leo did do a great job giving an abridge version of John Galt (or at least Hank Rearden) in the Aviator...

B. The actor needs to possess a deep understanding of, and passion for, Ayn Rand's ideas first and foremost.

To the extent the majority of the audience for "Atlas Shrugged" are of a libertarian or conservative philosophy, the actor portraying John Galt should be a credible one. Choosing Matt Damon might fit the physical characteristics, but this is a guy who is upset Obama hasn't done MORE to limit our freedoms! Consequently, Damon is out and so should be anyone who has publicly backed Obama.

Mel Gibson might have worked 20 years ago before he began to show his age and before his private life damaged his brand. I like Gary Sinise, who seems to be someone who might be a Randian plus, although he is in his fifties, looks younger. I just ran into Sinise at a play in Chicago and he looks very youthful. Why not?

I would go further in stating that he is of gaunt appearance (or can be)--which is how Rand described Galt. The last two Galt's were more Hollywood He-men types than industrialists. (Think of JD Rockefeller or Ford.)

Gary Sinese or Kelsey Grammer or Neil Boortz

A. But it would be great to find someone who looks like him and also believes.

I'm OK with DB Sweeney.

I always thought that Eric Stoltz would have been a good one but he was in "The Passion of Ayn Rand", so that would be awkward. Plus he may be too old now.

Given the length of it I kinda doubt that would work.

Gary Sinese or Kelsey Grammer or Neil Boortz

I think A is more important here. Daniel Craig would be pretty good - looks wise at least. Failing him, Alan Partridge. ;]

A young Jon Voight would be good, so would John Wayne or Gary Cooper -- GIVEN those choices are not practical, I would go with an unknown. Who ever cast the original Dagney or Francisco has a good eye but there is NO STAR in Hollywood I can think of, who you should cast, EVEN if he paid for the whole movie!

Oooh! Yeah he'd be good!

B,
Kelsey Grammer
Gary Sinise
Bruce Willis

If Neil Peart can act...

B; I wouldn't want a John Galt who does not believe in excellence, freedom, and innovation. A socialist actor may be an outstanding actor, but will always portray a bit of that "I'm a wealthy, condescending [illegitimate child]" when playing a genius capitalist.

Good choice but I think he'd be too old now.

I would go with Johnny Depp. Why? The juxtaposition implicit in him (of all people) playing Galt would make people listen for several reasons. He is widely recognized as a player of "serious" parts, his politics clash enough to make the part difficult enough to cause him to thoroughly study it to the director's satisfaction, and he is outside the mainstream enough to actuaqlly adopt much, if not most of the philosophy of Objectivism--about which (I believe) he has probably never really considered.

I'd say "A". The actor does not have to be known but he has to be able to do a good job and look the part.

But please bring back the actors who portrayed Dagny and Rearden from part 1, and any other original characters you can get from part one. The first film was much better, the actors were better, the cinematography was better and the VFX were better. I really WANTED to like part 2 but I have to say I was verey disappointed. The only parts that were good was Rearden's trial and when Rearden chews out that fellow (who also happens to have my last name!) in his office.

The CGI FX in Part 2 were absolutely wretched. Find an FX company that knows how to work with a combination of miniatures and CG compositing for a much better effect. I recommend someone like Steve Begg. Just because it's new technology doesn't mean it produces good effects. The good VFX artist knows what to use and when.

First, most of these suggestions don't resemble Galt AT ALL and Galt was in his 30's. Second, NOT D.B.Sweeney. Third, I have been picturing Simon Baker. Great demeanor and speaking voice and very talented and physically resembles him to a degree. A talented actor doesn't have to be an Objectivist to play Galt, just as one doesn't have to be a murderer to portray one.

A

Damien Lewis or Benedict Cumberbatch

I think I should play John Galt

I, too, am thinking Gary Sinese. He's passionate about his works and about our country. John Voight works for me, too.

Possessing a deep understanding for the character should be foremost - but as someone has stated any actor worth their salt will want to read the book (hopefully more than once) and see the previous films. Also, I have to go with others and say Stephen Baldwin, Adam Baldwin or Gary Sinise - they're good actors and their views are similar to the character.

No question, Phil Lamarr

I am thinking a different direction, no big fancy pretty boy or tough guy, I am thinking a normal guy, that may not come off as a rocket scientist, but can come of as maybe the undiscovered genius in a common man wrapper that is tired of being taken advantage of.

Steve Buscemi comes to mind, could play a mad scientist, or common work working man...

B. I would want the actor to truly understand and believe in the ideals of Ayn Rand to better portray the character.