3. Diane Kruger
German-born Kruger is a bit of a Hollywood gem - entrenched enough in the world of Hollywood to still get the big parts such as Helen of Troy in
Troy or the female lead in the brashly fun
National Treasure movies alongside a certain Mr Nicholas Cage, but remaining in Europe to engage in some of the finer films that the continent has to offer. Kruger is that rare kind of starlet: famous enough to be a kind of household name but low-key enough that every performance isn't overhyped or phoned in. The most senior of our choices by a couple of years, Kruger has a maturity to her performances that even when she isn't 'playing older', lends to an inner strength. In the recent Liam Neeson vehicle
Unknown, her heroic taxi driver is easily the best thing there, playing off against January Jones' bland villain, Kruger's wisdom making the age difference between her and Neeson all but fade away. In the French action film
Special Forces, her kidnapped journalist keeps up just as well as the men rescuing her and even plays a key role in the finale - all played with Kruger's unique blend of wise intelligence, something that would be a gift in the role of a Bond girl. Given the right character, we think that Kruger would be a superb choice and would truly shine alongside Daniel Craig's 007.