Tom Cruise (Photo: Jamie McCarthy / Staff / Getty Images)

Hollywood’s rumor mill is in full swing once again. Tom Cruise, 51, is reportedly on the hunt for a new younger woman to replace his ex-wife, Katie Holmes, and he’s got his sights set on Jessica White, a 29-year-old Sports Illustrated model who has everything he’s looking for.

Cruise’s reputation took a hit after Holmes unexpectedly ended their marriage, and according to sources, he’s hoping being with a hot, younger woman will help lift his celebrity appeal. “He’s not used to being alone and believes that appearing to be a failure in the love department lessens his star power,” said a mysterious insider, adding, “Tom is sensitive about being over the hill and thinks a younger woman will make him more relevant with a younger audience.”

We’ll be the first to admit that this rumor seems a little out there. But if you really think about it, the prospect of Cruise and White as the next big celebrity couple really isn’t as farfetched as it sounds. Let’s look at the facts.

Aside from the obvious fact that White is a young, beautiful woman, she has also recently been showing a lot of interest in Scientology, the controversial faith that came between Cruise and Holmes—Cruise is still one of the religion’s most devout celebrity followers. If White does become a full-fledged Scientologist, she already meets the basic criteria for a future wife.

Their 22-year age difference wouldn’t be an issue either, because White is no stranger to dating older men—she used to date actor Sean Penn, who is 23 years older than her, and football player Terrell Owens, who’s 10 years older.

What do you think: Would Tom Cruise and Jessica White make a good couple, or would it just be a recipe for disaster?

Source:
“Tom Cruise Desperate For a Girlfriend,” ShowbizSpy web site; http://goo.gl/aSE9W, last accessed July 19, 2013.
Photo Credits: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com (Tom Cruise), s_bukley / Shutterstock.com (Jessica White)