'Today I directed the Sexiest Man Alive': Paul Rudd's Marvel pals react to Ant-Man's steamy new title

What? You thought all of Hollywood was just going to stay silent after People Magazine named Paul Rudd the "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2021? Not a snowball's chance in the Quantum Realm! Several of the Marvel star's industry pals took to social media Wednesday to congratulate the actor or else poke fun at his new title (all in jest, of course). Filmmaker Peyton Reed tweeted from the set of Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantamania, writing: "Let it be known that today I directed the Sexiest Man Alive."

Mark Ruffalo, Rudd's fellow co-star in Avengers: Endgame, wrote that he "knew his day would come." Leaning into the widely accepted fact that Rudd is immortal (seriously, the dude is a vampire or something), the actor behind Bruce Banner and his mean, green alter ego added: "Congrats, man. I hope you continue to never age, so you can continue to hold this title."

But it wasn't just Marvel's finest getting in on the fun. Judd Apatow, who directed Rudd in comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and This is 40, tweeted that he has "mixed emotions about" the announcement. Seth Rogen — another Apatow alumnus — stated that he has "no arguments" to dispute People's decision to go with Rudd over favorites like Chris Evans or Dwayne Johnson.

Jane Lynch, Weird Al, and The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean also made their thoughts known.

For his part, Rudd isn't letting his steamy accolade go to his head. All he wants is to be invited to the elite, underground parties hosted by previous "Sexiest Man Alive" winners like Michael B. Jordan, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. 

"I figure I'll be on a lot more yachts," the actor joked while speaking with People about the honor. "I'm excited to expand my yachting life. And I'll probably try to get better at brooding in really soft light. I like to ponder. I think this is going to help me become more inward and mysterious. And I'm looking forward to that."

Ryan Reynolds was also asked for his thoughts on the matter during an appearance on The Today Show to promote Netflix's Red Notice.

"I think that this opportunity will be wasted on him like so many before him," said Reynolds, who was crowned "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2010. "He's gonna play it shy, he's gonna play it bashful, humble. If I know what I knew now...you gotta seize this opportunity! If I got it now, I'm not saying I would leave my family, but they would need to go on without me. I would roam the world, clutching my dog-eared People Magazine, going from town-to-town, sowing my old oats like some sort of nude magical gardener. It would be amazing."

The Deadpool vet then addressed Rudd directly: "Don't blow this, Rudd! If you're there, do not blow this opportunity. Run like the wind."