Despicable Me actor Will Ferrell campaigning to become PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2024

Will Ferrell has announced his ambition to be named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024. 

The 56-year-old actor revealed his campaign during a red carpet interview with Peoples’ magazine at the New York City premiere of "Despicable Me 4" on June 9.

He stated his intent to "plant the seeds" for his candidacy because "you guys never have comedians."

Ferrell, who voices the character Maxime Le Mal in the upcoming film, emphasised the lack of comedic representation in the title's history. "So get it going internally, all right? Sexiest Man," he urged. He further joked that his Mega-Minion superpower would be "to be fluent in every language in the world," and added, "and be People Magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year. Come on. Vote for comedians."

Dressed in a white Adidas track jacket, black jeans, white Adidas sneakers, and aviator sunglasses, Ferrell channeled a "sexy villain" look for the event. 

Ferrell's desire to join the list of past honorees, which includes his "Anchorman" co-star Paul Rudd, who won in 2021. Rudd had embraced the title, saying, "I mean I'm going to lean into it hard. I'm going to own this," as reported by PEOPLE.

The premiere also marked a reunion for Ferrell and his "Anchorman" co-stars Kristen Wiig and Steve Carell. Reflecting on the film's legacy, Ferrell told PEOPLE, "And I think at the time, we couldn't believe we were getting to make such a weird, bizarre movie. So I'm just so happy that it has kind of stayed in the zeitgeist all these years."

"Despicable Me 4" continues the franchise's story with Steve Carell reprising his role as Gru.The movie is set for theatrical release in the United States on July 3, 2024.