Jolie bags dream "Atlas Shrugged" role

Angelina Jolie has managed to land the role that many of Hollywood's top leading ladies have been eyeing for a long time - the heroine of author Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged."

According toDaily Varietynewspaper, Jolie has reportedly been campaigning for the part for some time, and has now managed to land the role of Dagney Taggart.

The movie adaptation of the Russian-born author's epic novel has been in the making for many years, with Faye Dunaway being the choice at one point in time, Contactmusic reported.

"Atlas Shrugged" was first published in 1957 in the United States. It was Rand's last work of fiction before concentrating her writing exclusively on philosophy, politics and cultural criticism. Rand considered it her magnum opus.

The book explores a number of philosophical themes that she would subsequently develop into a system of ideas she called Objectivism.

"Atlas Shrugged" is not the only thing on Jolie's already full platter. She will soon be seen in "Beowulf," an adaptation of the 12th century epic poem.

Also keeping the mom-of-three busy over the next 12 months will be "The Good Shepherd," in which she stars opposite Matt Damon.

The Oscar-winning actress is already getting Oscar buzz for the movie "A Mighty Heart," in which she plays Mariane Pearl, the widow of slain American journalist Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and subsequently killed in Pakistan.