Honestly, nobody saw it coming. When the news finally dropped on a Tuesday night during The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the internet basically had a collective "wait, what?" moment. John Krasinski, the guy we all spent years watching pull pranks at Dunder Mifflin, was officially named the 2024 sexiest man of the year.
He didn't believe it either.
Krasinski told People magazine his first reaction was an "immediate blackout." He literally thought he was being punked. Can you blame him? One day you’re waking up to take the kids to school, and the next, you’re the face of a 40-year-old pop culture institution. It’s a lot to process for a guy who describes himself as someone who mostly just watches Netflix documentaries and reads bedtime stories.
Why John Krasinski?
So, how did "Jim from The Office" snag the crown?
If you look at the trajectory of his career, it actually starts to make sense. He isn't just the floppy-haired paper salesman anymore. Over the last decade, Krasinski underwent a pretty massive transformation. He got absolutely ripped for Michael Bay’s 13 Hours and then spent four seasons playing a shredded CIA operative in Jack Ryan.
But it’s more than just the gym time.
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He’s become a powerhouse behind the camera, too. He directed, wrote, and starred in the A Quiet Place franchise, which basically saved the theatrical experience for a while. This year, he released IF, a movie about imaginary friends that he made specifically for his kids. That "talented-but-humble dad" energy is exactly what People was banking on for 2024.
The Emily Blunt Factor
You can’t talk about the 2024 sexiest man of the year without mentioning his wife, Emily Blunt. Their relationship is basically the gold standard for Hollywood couples. When John told her about the title, he said there was "a lot of joy" (and probably a good amount of laughing) on her end.
Blunt even joked she was going to wallpaper their entire Brooklyn house with his cover.
"Do we have that on camera? Because that's like a binding contract," Krasinski quipped.
The most relatable part of the whole reveal? John’s prediction for his life post-announcement. He’s pretty sure it won't get him out of doing the dishes. In fact, he told the magazine he expects it to result in more household chores. "She’ll be like, ‘All right, that means you’re going to really earn it here at home,’" he said.
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The Internet's Polarizing Reaction
Look, any time People picks a winner, the internet loses its mind. This year was no different.
Social media was a bit of a battlefield. On one side, you had the "Good Guys Finish First" crowd who loved seeing a devoted family man get his flowers. On the other, you had the stans for Glen Powell and Jeremy Allen White wondering how their favorites got snubbed.
- Glen Powell: Many thought the Twisters star was the obvious choice after his massive 2024.
- Benny Blanco: There was actually a huge amount of confusion right before the reveal when a snippet of Benny Blanco in the issue leaked. People thought he was the winner for a second, which caused a minor Twitter meltdown.
- Jeremy Allen White: The Bear star was a heavy favorite, especially after those Calvin Klein ads.
Despite the noise, Krasinski follows in the footsteps of Patrick Dempsey (the 2023 winner) as part of a trend toward "Legacy Hot" stars—men who have been in the public eye for decades and have transitioned into a more mature, refined version of celebrity.
The Secret Selection Process
People often ask if this is a "vote" or a "selection." It’s a bit of both, but mostly it's a massive PR machine.
According to former editors, the magazine starts looking for the next winner almost as soon as the current one is crowned. They look at who has a big movie coming out, who has a clean reputation, and—crucially—who is willing to play ball.
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The winner has to agree to a full cover shoot and an extensive interview. Rumor has it that big names like Ryan Gosling have turned down the title multiple times because they just aren't interested in the "sexy" branding. Krasinski, being the ultimate team player and a naturally funny guy, was the perfect fit for a year that felt like it needed a bit of levity.
Who Else Was in the 2024 Issue?
Even though John took the top spot, the issue was packed with other "category" winners.
- Glen Powell: Sexiest Summer Action Star.
- Jacob Elordi: Sexiest New Heartthrob.
- Harry Styles: Sexiest Musician.
- Robert Pattinson: Sexiest First-Time Dad.
It’s basically a way for the magazine to please everyone while still picking one main face for the newsstands.
What This Means for 2025 and Beyond
Winning 2024 sexiest man of the year is more than just a vanity prize; it’s a career booster. Krasinski is already slated to return to the big screen as Jack Ryan in a new film, and he’s starring alongside Natalie Portman in the upcoming heist movie Fountain of Youth.
The "Sexiest Man Alive" title usually signals that an actor has reached "A-list for life" status. They stop being just a working actor and start being a household name that transcends their latest project.
If you want to keep up with the John Krasinski "Sexiest Man" era, here’s how to stay in the loop:
- Watch the Jack Ryan Movie: Keep an eye out for the upcoming film continuation of the Amazon series.
- Follow the Wallpaper Saga: We’re all waiting to see if Emily Blunt actually follows through on the wallpaper threat.
- Revisit The Office: Honestly, it’s never a bad time to go back and watch Jim Halpert look at the camera one more time.
The 2024 pick reminded us that sometimes, being a "big, dumb sex hunk" (as Stephen Colbert put it) is less about the six-pack and more about being the kind of guy who actually wants to go home and help with the laundry.