Emma Stone
Why She Could Do It: Along with Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone is a media darling, one of the most talked about starlets of the moment, and it would be a good way for Cruise to not skip a beat and get back on the horse. Also, like Holmes, Stone played the female lead in a superhero movie, and would be able to prove her love for Cruise by letting herself be replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal for the sequel. Plus her boyfriend Andrew Garfield, is one of the few actors that Cruise could beat in a fight if it came to it.
Why She Might Not: At 5’6″, Stone is actually an inch smaller than Cruise, which could mean that the guy who carries around the box Cruise stands on for photo opportunities might be out of a job. Also, she’s quite feisty, which might mean additional levels of re-programming would be required.
Kate Mara
Why She Could Do It: While less well-known than some of these names, Mara was in the running to play Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” so has experience with this kind of secretive, high-profile casting run-off. Plus she shares DNA with sister Rooney Mara, who’s already won out one of the most competitive races in recent memory, landing the lead in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.” Also has roughly the same name as Holmes, which makes it easier for Cruise to remember who he’s supposed to namecheck while jumping on sofas.
Why She Might Not: Once dated McG. That’s got to be a hard thing for any future boyfriends to come to terms with.
