The sci-fi production could use some star power after leading actor Harrison Ford, who reprises his role as Han Solo from the original trilogy, was rushed into surgery last week following a freak accident on set.
The 71-year-old actor is recuperating after breaking his leg and won't be available to film for several months.
The source added: "Losing Harrison is going to set things back a little scheduling wise and there's some time to play around with."
Cruise recently starred in a sci-fi summer blockbuster 'Edge of Tomorrow', which earned critical acclaim, and is next set to film the fifth instalment of the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise.
'Star Wars' is currently filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England.
It's rumoured 'Looper' director Rian Johnson could be in line to write and direct the follow-ups, 'Episode VIII' and 'Episode IX'.
