In an act of sheer chaos, People has declared John Krasinski as the “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2024 — a title that would have been far more fitting for the actor a decade ago at the height of The Office. Even Krasinski himself admitted in the magazine’s cover story, released at midnight, that he thought he was “being punked.” “That’s not how I wake up, thinking, ‘Is this the day that I’ll be asked to be Sexiest Man Alive?’” he told People. “And yet it was the day you guys did it. You guys have really raised the bar for me.”
Was it Really Krasinski’s Year?
More confusingly, the magazine has somehow tied Krasinski’s achievement to his recent movie IF, which he starred in, wrote, produced, and directed to mediocre reviews. Although he produced this year’s (much better movie) A Quiet Place: Day One, Krasinski did not return to direct it after helming the first two.
The Internet Reacts
It’s only been a few hours since People‘s announcement, but the internet has already become divided in its opinion, with many expressing some confusion as to why 2024 is Krasinski’s year and not, say, Glen Powell’s or Adam Brody’s. “John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2024……. Another devastating Tuesday night in November,” one X user wrote.
Another wrote, “If we HAD to target middle America and stay white, Jonathan Bailey, Glenn Powell, James McAvoy, Paul Mescal, all of these are men who are promoting something this season and would have made more sense. Choosing John Krasinski is just lazy.”
“You’re not gonna sit here and tell me that Glen Powell didn’t solidify his spot as the sexiest man alive after wearing a white t shirt and a cowboy hat in the pouring rain,” someone added, while another fan joked, “if you are in line to vote for glen powell STAY IN LINE.”
Krasinski’s Response
Krasinski appeared on The Late Show to promote his selection, discussing the news with host Stephen Colbert, who was given the honor of announcing this year’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” “I’m so proud to see my friend go from goofy, lovable boy next door to big, dumb sex hunk,” Colbert told Krasinski.
The actor then shared an instructional video he and Colbert made about how to transform yourself “from a sack of crap to a hunk of beef.” The six steps include not eating and stealing sexy DNA from Chris Evans.
Emily Blunt’s Reaction
John Krasinski has revealed wife Emily Blunt’s reaction after he was named 2024’s “Sexiest Man Alive” by People. The actor, writer and director, whose credits include the US version of The Office, Jack Ryanand A Quiet Place, was given the title in what has become a hotly anticipated annual event.
Krasinksi, 45, was named the most desirable man of the year, taking the baton from former Grey’s Anatomy actor Patrick Dempsey, who won in 2023 – and it turns out Krasinski was quite confused after learning the news.
Speaking to People about the announcement, he said he experienced “immediate blackout”, adding that he had “zero thoughts... other than maybe I’m being punked”. He continued: “That’s not how I wake up, thinking, ‘Is this the day that I’ll be asked to be Sexiest Man Alive?’ And yet it was the day you guys did it. You guys have really raised the bar for me.”
Krasinski also shared the response the news got from his wife, the actor Emily Blunt, with whom he has two children and has been married to for 14 years.
According to Krasinski, ”there was a lot of joy involved” in telling Blunt, who was “very excited”. He said that Blunt even quipped that she would print off the cover and use it as wallpaper. “Do we have that on camera? Because that’s like a binding contract, I think. My children will love that, it won’t be weird at all.”
Krasinski joked that the honour, rather than earn him goodwill at home, might result in him having to do “more household chores. “After this comes out, [Blunt’ll] be like, ‘All right, that means you’re going to really earn it here at home.’”
The Aftermath
While Krasinski may have been surprised by the honor, the public’s reaction has been a mixed bag. Many took to social media to express their disappointment with the choice, wondering why other celebrities like Glen Powell or Adam Brody weren’t chosen instead. Some even joked that the title was a result of a “devastating Tuesday night in November,” referring to the outcome of the 2024 elections. Others, however, were happy to see Krasinski win, and took to Twitter to express their support for the actor, even referencing his iconic character Jim Halpert from The Office.
Ultimately, the choice of John Krasinski as People’s Sexiest Man Alive is just another reminder that, in the internet age, even the most innocuous things can become a source of debate and controversy. However, one thing is for sure: Krasinski’s new title will certainly provide plenty of material for late-night talk shows and internet memes for months to come.
