Glen Powell and Pedro Pascal turned down People's Sexiest Man Alive before John Krasinski, 45, was ultimately crowned the coveted title, according to an insider.
A source told DailyMail.com that the magazine 'begged both of them to accept,' but were 'continuously shut down.'
'Every year the magazine has dreams of who to get, but the person they want doesn't always agree to be a part of it. Do you really think that they wanted Patrick Dempsey last year?' they said.
'And for this year, just like Patrick, John is a great guy but in no way was he their number-one choice. This year, the magazine asked Glen Powell and Pedro Pascal on a handful of occasions to be the pick, but they continued to say no.
Glen Powell and Pedro Pascal were begged to take on the title of People's Sexiest Man Alive before John Krasinski was eventually crowned
The magazine's final pick for the coveted title left many people divided. Pictured is John with his wife, Emily Blunt
'They both had their reasons to turn it down, but People Magazine begged both of them to accept and they were continuously shot down.'
The source went on to say being Sexiest Man alive wasn't 'important' to the Twisters actor, 36, or the Gladiator II star, 49, 'at this point in their careers.'
'Glen wants to make more of an impact in acting now that he is finally getting amazing roles and becoming more of a star and Pedro doesn't feel like it was ever something he wanted to entertain,' they added.
'He sees the gimmick of it all and though there is a flattery to it, his ego doesn't need it.'
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for People, Glen, Pedro and Patrick.
On Tuesday's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the TV host announced John, who is married to 41-year-old British actress Emily Blunt, as the magazine's pick for this year, leaving many people divided about the choice.
'John Krasinski sexiest man alive? Hmmmm I'm not sure,' one wrote.
'John Krasinski People's sexiest man alive? I must be missing something,' a second added.
Another commentator shared a photo of John's wife Emily crying in a still from the film The Devil Wears Prada, and wrote, 'Only his wife thinks that.'
A source told DailyMail.com that the magazine was 'continuously shut down' when they approached Glen
The source went onto say being Sexiest Man Alive wasn't 'important' to either of Glen or Pedro (pictured with his sister, Lux) 'at this point in their careers'
'This is worse than Benny Blanco to me, like giving it to a slice of bread,' someone else wrote.
However, others had more positive reactions. 'Oh come be nice, I think he's sexy.. maybe not sexiest.. but he is smart and funny.'
'Well I'm not mad about it to be honest,' someone else added.
'Been rooting for him since The Office.'
Even the star himself says he thought he was 'being punked,' according to People.
The actor also revealed his wife, Emily Blunt, 41, was 'very excited' to learn he was named Sexiest Man Alive, adding, 'There was a lot of joy involved in me telling her.'