Will Ferrell’s son, Magnus Ferrell, has been vocal about his father’s candidacy for the title of PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. During a recent appearance at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles, the 22-year-old musician expressed his belief that Will Ferrell, renowned for his roles in comedies such as “Elf” and “Anchorman,” should have already secured the prestigious accolade long ago.
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Magnus, who has recently embarked on his own music career, showed support for his father in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. “I think he should be the unanimous winner, like, yesterday,” he quipped, addressing the deliberation surrounding the annual selection process. He added lightly, “He’s been waiting for this for a very long time, so I hope it comes together for him.”

The young artist, who is the eldest of Will Ferrell’s three children with wife Viveca Paulin, clarified that he does not see himself as a contender for the title of Sexiest Man Alive. “I’m too young to be the face of that right now. Maybe later,” he remarked when questioned about his own potential for future recognitions.

In the lead-up to Magnus’s remarks, Will Ferrell had made his aspirations for the title known. At a recent red carpet event for Netflix’s “The Hawk,” he observed the impact of confidence about one’s appeal, stating, “If you got it, flaunt it.” He cheekily referenced his hopes for the accolade while holding up images from his recent SKIMS campaign, which showcased his striking looks. He further suggested that if he wasn’t awarded the title this time, it could imply some underlying bias in the selection process.
Will Ferrell’s quest for recognition as PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive isn’t new; back in 2024, he expressed his intentions to claim the title, citing a perception that comedians are often overlooked in such decisions. Though he noted that other comedic actors, such as his friend and “Anchorman” co-star Paul Rudd, have received the honour, Ferrell feels the odds still favour the more conventionally handsome candidates.
As of November, Jonathan Bailey holds the title of Sexiest Man Alive, creating a competitive atmosphere among potential nominees for the next year’s selection. In the light-hearted spirit of the competition, Magnus is keen to rally support for his father to finally receive the recognition he believes is richly deserved.
Despite the playful banter around the Sexiest Man title, Magnus has acknowledged his father’s unwavering support for his own artistic pursuits. “He calls me and checks in. He’s like, ‘What’s going on today? What’s been happening?’ He’s just been so supportive and he’s been one of my biggest supporters,” he shared. His father’s encouragement has been particularly beneficial during Magnus’s early days in the music industry, when he experimented with various musical genres, including some unconventional sounds he playfully described as “weird medieval castle beats.”
Magnus’s relationship with his father reflects a deep sense of admiration and mutual support, a bond that goes beyond mere familial ties. Will’s enthusiasm for Magnus’s projects demonstrates a nurturing ethos that encourages creativity and perseverance. “He’s been in my corner the whole time,” Magnus said, attesting to the strength of their connection.
As Magnus galvanises support for his father’s bid for the Sexiest Man Alive title, it becomes evident that the competition is merely a light-hearted reflection of their unique relationship. With such a strong foundation of encouragement from Will, the younger Ferrell is poised to carve his own path in the music industry, driven by the confidence instilled in him by his father.
