Tom Cruise Struck Out Three Times Before Landing Katie Holmes

Now this is something of an old story that has been kicked around since we first heard about it in the summer of 2005. Marc Headley is a former Scientologist who used to help produce promotional films (like this little gem) for the organization has spoken to the News of the World about the rumor that Tom Cruise had a list of female Hollywood A-listers he was hoping to meet after his break-up from Penelope Cruz.

Headley said that Tom went to the head of Scientology, David Miscavige, looking for help in finding his next female companion. A casting call was then held, informing potential candidates, "There's an upcoming Tom Cruise movie you might get a part in. Come for an audition."

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Photos: WENN

Although a number of Scientologist actresses like Sofia Milos (CSI: Miami) and Erika Christensen (Traffic) were considered, ultimately Tom had his heart set on higher-profile actresses in their 20s. The dream list created included (in order of preference) Jennifer Garner, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Alba. The theory that Jennifer Garner was Tom's number one pick is a sentiment that is also echoed in Andrew Morton's tell-all book about the star, which claims that Tom once unsuccessfully tried to hit on the Alias star.

According to Marc, "Jennifer and Jessica didn't bite but Scarlett took the bait and came in for an audition. When she arrived and found out it was the Scientology Center in Hollywood, she freaked out and didn't do a tape..." Smart girl.

Ultimately, Marc says that Katie Holmes was selected because she had once professed having a crush on the A-list movie star and Marc said of their first meeting, "The moment he meets her, he's enthralled with her and [Tom] told Miscavige later, 'I knew immediately she was the one.'"

Ah, how romantic. This story is about a pumpkin and a glass slipper away from being a real-life fairy tale.

Published 3/10/08 by

A Socialite's Life

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