Pedro Pascal Crowned 2025's ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ Frontrunner
Pedro Pascal might soon add another crown to his ever-growing list of accolades, and that's PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2025. The beloved "The Last of Us" and "Mandalorian" star has become one of Hollywood’s most universally adored leading men, and according to the latest chatter online and in betting markets, the “Internet’s Daddy” could soon make his reign official. Between his new role in "Gladiator II," his highly anticipated debut as Reed Richards in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," and his continued global fan obsession, Pascal has emerged as the frontrunner in what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in recent years. But with breakout stars like
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Pedro Pascal’s Star Power Soars As He Leads 2025 Sexiest Man Alive Odds
Few actors have captured the public’s affection quite like Pedro Pascal. Whether he’s slaying in armor as "The Mandalorian," fighting for survival in "The Last of Us," or charming audiences with his effortless humility off-screen, Pascal’s appeal is as universal as it gets.
Fresh off the buzz surrounding "Gladiator II" and his official entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pascal’s cultural momentum has never been stronger. His charm, grounded personality, and that signature twinkle-in-the-eye charisma have turned him into a global sensation, and betting experts are taking notice.
Sportsbook Review shared with The Blast that Pascal currently leads the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive race with +163 odds, giving him a 38% implied probability of taking home the title.
Jeremy Allen White, Jonathan Bailey, And Glen Powell Bring The Heat In Sexiest Man Alive Race
While Pascal may be the favorite, the road to the top is never without challengers, and this year’s lineup is stacked. Jeremy Allen White sits in second place with +567 odds (15%), powered by a year that included critical acclaim for "The Bear," his breakout performance in "The Iron Claw," and a viral Calvin Klein campaign that set the internet ablaze.
Next up is Jonathan Bailey with +809 odds (11%), whose performances in "Wicked" and "Bridgerton" have cemented him as one of Hollywood’s most captivating new leading men. Glen Powell, the "Twisters" star who’s been dubbed “America’s flirtiest action hero," follows with +1150 odds (8%), while
Other contenders include Sterling K. Brown
Pedro Pascal’s Relatable Charm Keeps Him The Internet’s Undisputed 'Daddy'
Beyond the stats, Pascal’s dominance boils down to one thing, and that's relatability. He’s talented but humble, confident but kind, and just as comfortable holding a lightsaber as he is cuddling his dog on Instagram. Fans have long dubbed him “everyone’s favorite fictional boyfriend,” and with his mix of sincerity, humor, and timeless style, it’s not hard to see why.
Even if PEOPLE surprises us with a left-field pick (looking at you, Patrick Dempsey 2023), Pascal’s energy, versatility, and universal appeal make him the obvious favorite.
A Look Back: The Last 5 Years Of PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive
Over the past few years, PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive winners have shown just how diverse modern-day heartthrobs can be, from action heroes to comedy kings and even nostalgic icons making a comeback.
In 2020, "Black Panther" and "Creed" star Michael B. Jordan took home the title, celebrated for his powerful presence, style, and influence both on-screen and off. A year later, Paul Rudd
Chris Evans followed in 2022, continuing Marvel’s dominance. Then came Patrick Dempsey in 2023, in what fans called one of PEOPLE's most unexpected, yet warmly received, choices. Most recently, John Krasinski
Pedro Pascal Poised For Sexiest Man Alive Glory As The World Watches
PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue has been an annual pop culture staple since 1985, with winners ranging from George Clooney to Michael B. Jordan. But as this year’s race heats up, it's clear that Pedro Pascal is in his “golden era,” and the world is watching.
The official reveal is expected in November, but if betting markets are any indication, the odds, and the internet, are already in his favor.
The Walking Dead Reveals The Tragic Real Reason Daryl Never Gave Up On Rick
Daryl was, of course, completely right, and Rick has since returned to Alexandria following a stint in the Civic Republic Military. Frustratingly, Daryl departed before he was able to see his faith in Rick bear fruit. Daryl heard a whisper of Rick's existence via Judith (who heard via Michonne), but to all intents and purposes, the ex-sheriff is still presumed dead during Daryl Dixon's solo series.
Daryl Dixon Season 3 Explains The Deeper Reason Daryl Never Gave Up On Rick
Daryl Dixon season 3, episode 6 finds Norman Reedus' nomadic titular hero on a trip to Barcelona with new friend Paz, as they seek to rescue prisoners from the Spanish monarchy. During a brief gap in their journey, Paz recounts past efforts to liberate her lover from the villainous community, telling Daryl:
"[I chased] the convoy from town to town. Always too late. I felt like if I stopped it would become real - not seeing her again. But if I didn't give up-
Daryl then interjects:
"-you wouldn't have to accept it. I get it."
From this, it can be surmised that during his long days spent by the river looking for signs of Grimes, Daryl never realistically expected to find a bloodied, bearded, breathing body on the shore. The real purpose of Daryl's vigil was merely to delay accepting the situation for as long as practically possible.
Knowing this makes Rick Grimes' supposed death even more upsetting than it already was. Daryl endured a troubled childhood - another aspect of the character Daryl Dixon season 3 has delved deeper into - and Rick, alongside Carol, became one of the first people he fully dropped his walls around.
Daryl's endless search for Rick was never based on some deep hunter's instinct that his friend survived, but on the innocent and child-like fear of admitting The Walking Dead's zombie outbreak had dealt yet another cruel blow.
Daryl Dixon Season 4 Needs A Rick Grimes Cameo More Than Ever
Because Daryl Dixon was the last survivor to give up on Rick, and because Daryl left the Commonwealth before seeing his long-lost pal return, The Walking Dead's story will never be complete without a reunion between Norman Reedus and Andrew Lincoln. That was true before Daryl Dixon season 3, episode 6, but is even truer after it.
The pressure on this emotional reservoir must be released, and the only way to do that is with an in-person meeting between Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes before The Walking Dead ends. Daryl Dixon season 4 feels like the most likely place to make such a thing happen, and the only real obstacle would be Andrew Lincoln's availability to make a cameo.
