Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged is a monumental work, which can be glimpsed just from the length of the novel1368 pages in some editions. The work is a blend of genres, including mystery, science fiction, and philosophy. The book’s sharp and opinionated stances have made it open to a number of interpretations, which may account for its enduring popularity. Since its publication, the book has influenced writers, politicians, and even video game developersthe 2007 game BioShock, along with its 2010 sequel, focuses on a scenario much like that described in the novel. However, one realm which has never seen an AS adaptation is cinemaalthough it’s not for lack of trying. However, that’s all about to change.The large book focuses on a dystopian United States, seen through the eyes of Dagny Taggart, a railroad company vice-president and a thoroughly idealized heroineRand was never one for subtlety. The book was first tapped for adaptation by producer Albert S. Ruddy in 1972. However, Ruddy refused to relinquish script approval to Rand. Later, Henry and Michael Jaffe negotiated for an eight-hour television miniseries to be aired on NBC. Screenwriter Stirling Silliphant wrote a script which was approved by Rand. However, the project was scrapped by new NBC president Fred Silverman.When Rand died in 1982, she left behind one-third of a script and left her estate to her student Leonard Peikoff. Peikoff sold the film option to Michael Jaffe and Ed Snider, but would not approve the script, and so on and so on. In the mid-2000s, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway were all rumored as possible cast members. The film that viewers will finally be able to see in April 2011 has none of those names, however.Instead, the film (part one of a planned trilogy) is directed by Paul Johansson, who is best known as Dan Scott on the series One Tree Hill. His directing experience includes the 2003 film The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie and several episodes of One Tree Hill. Taylor Schilling, the actress playing Dagny Taggart, became known as nurse Veronica Callahan on NBC’s cancelled medical drama Mercy. Grant Bowler, a New Zealand actor who’s appeared on Farscape, Lost, Ugly Betty, True Blood, and more, will be playing industrialist Hank Rearden. Matthew Marsden, Graham Beckel, Edi Gathegi, and Jsu Garcia are some of the other names in the cast.The reception of this new film is up in the air, to say the least. Will viewers be attracted by a philosophical mystery that will not be solved in the first film? Does Johansson have the experience to tackle this caliber of project? And most importantly, who is John Galt? We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears peeled to find out.