Chris Evans' 'Sexiest Man Alive' Title Irks Fans: 'Still Paul Rudd for Me'

Chris Evans has earned the coveted title of "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2022, but some fans are upset that the honor wasn't again awarded to last year's winner, Paul Rudd.

The star of Marvel's Captain America, Evans' strong jawline and bulging biceps have undoubtedly prompted many to swoon. People Magazine announced the leading man as this year's champ on Monday, just ahead of Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections.

Rudd also appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ant-Man, with viewers falling in love with his unique combo of good looks, charm and comedic wit.

Many have congratulated Evans on the news, but it didn't sit well with some Rudd fans, who posted their protestations to social media.

"chris evans being named people's sexiest man alive when it should actually be paul rudd every year in a row until further notice," Twitter user @bloodsimple wrote.

"It's still Paul Rudd for me tho," publisher Lisa Lucas tweeted.

"Paul rudd you're the only sexy man alive in my life, no one else, only you," tweeted user @ruddhler, along with a photo of the actor grinning.

And user @philsadelphia suggested in a tweet that People "should consider simply renewing paul rudd's sexiest man alive title indefinitely."

Meanwhile, Evans fans were enamored with the news, with one person writing on Twitter: "You're damn right he's the sexiest man alive."

After landing last year's title, Rudd told People that he wasn't going to be shy about the distinction.

"I mean I'm going to lean into it hard," he said at the time. "I'm going to own this. I'm not going to try to be like 'Oh, I'm so modest.' I'm getting business cards made."

Over the years, several other smoldering-hot A-listers have raked in the award, including David Beckham, Brad Pitt and Idris Elba. Also on the list is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who took home the honor back in 2016.

Johnson congratulated Evans on this year's win in a filmed skit on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

"It means a lot coming from a former Sexiest Man Alive," Evans said.

But Johnson pushes back, saying: "Um, I never give the title up...I'm Sexiest Man Alive in perpetuity, which means for life."

The Rock then proposes a compromise.

"Let me ask you a question, brother," he says to Evans. "Am I alive? I'm still alive? Am I still sexy? You bet your sexy mouth I am. We're sharing it!"

Toward the end of the skit, Johnson urges this year's winner to utter something "sexy." At that, Evans looks directly into the camera and says: "Go vote tomorrow."

Newsweek reached out to representatives for Rudd and Evans for comment.