The search is on for Peter Parker's new love interest in the upcoming "Spider-Man" reboot, with the list currently narrowed down to five young actresses — Lilly Collins ("Priest"), Ophelia Lovibond ("Nowhere Boy"), Teresa Palmer ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice"), Imogen Poots ("Fright Night") and Emma Roberts ("4.3.2.1."). Curiously enough, none of these women will play Mary Jane Watson, but a new love interest altogether.
In a special edition of Secret Identity, we're weighing in on the pros and cons of the five alleged front-runners for the "Spider-Man" leading lady!
Lilly Collins
Having recently wrapped work on "Priest" and currently shooting "Abduction" alongside Taylor Lautner, there's little doubt that Collins can handle the action component required from a "Spider-Man" heroine. Still, I'm not convinced that I could see her in too heavy of an action role like Felicia Hardy, alias Black Cat. She would work much better as a more grounded character such as Gwen Stacy.
Ophelia Lovibond
Mostly known for her work abroad, Lovibond is something of a newcomer to the world of Hollywood, not unlike Spider-Man himself, Andrew Garfield. The two bring a similar level of unfamiliarity to the superhero franchise, which could work really well in establishing chemistry between the two leads. That said, perhaps a slightly better known face than Lovibond's would be best given Garfield's own relative anonymity.
Teresa Palmer
Although many moviegoers skipped out on "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," actress Teresa Palmer's star is still on the rise with her attachment to two high profile projects — the currently shooting "I Am Number Four" and the developing "Mad Max: Fury Road." Her work on "Mad Max" could pose a bit of a scheduling conflict for "Spider-Man," but more so than any of the other listed candidates, I can see Palmer playing Black Cat or another similar character.
Imogen Poots
Another actress with her star on the rise, Poots first broke onto the big screen with a bit role in "V for Vendetta" before completely stealing the show as the young female lead in "28 Weeks Later." Having handled the role of an imperiled teenage girl with such ease, the dangers of "Spider-Man" would pale in comparison.
Emma Roberts
Like Poots, Roberts is getting some training in the thriller department thanks to her leading role in "Scream 4." But the 19-year-old actress might be too young to believably play the love interest to Garfield's Parker. That said, if Roberts brought her father Eric Roberts alongside her as the film's bad guy, I would endorse this casting decision all the way to the bank. Truly, the world needs as much Eric Roberts goodness as it can get!
Tell us who you would like to see opposite Andrew Garfield in the upcoming "Spider-Man" relaunch in the comments and on Twitter!