I tend to think the reaction to Chris Hemsworth being named the 2014 Sexiest Man Alive was a resounding “meh.” People weren’t angry about the choice, people acknowledge that he’s a good-looking guy with a fantastic Thor-body. But are there scores of women out there who are, like, all about Hemsworth and only Hemsworth? Not really. But, as I said, at least people weren’t angry. Everyone was truly ANGRY when Bradley Cooper was named the SMA back in 2011. People actually protested the choice of B-Coop, mainly (I suppose) because 2011 was seen as “Ryan Gosling’s year,” like he was the one in the news and it was the height of the Hey-Girl-dom. I guess the Gosloonies always thought that People Magazine snubbed him outright. But The Wrap’s sources now say that Gosling got the approach about SMA a few times and he turned them down every time:

People magazine’s annual “Sexiest Man Alive” issue has sparked backlash yet again, for passing over actor Ryan Gosling as cover star — but the “The Notebook” actor has repeatedly turned down the honor, an insider told TheWrap. So to use a catchphrase in the spirit of the web’s most popular Gosling memes: “Hey girl, calm the Internet down.”

“They tried a few times, especially during his huge year in 2011,” an individual close to the cover negotiations said. Multiple efforts were consistently squashed by the actor’s team.

“The consensus was he’s too serious for it, too artsy,” the individual added.

A spokesperson for Gosling has not yet returned TheWrap’s request for comment. People’s Editorial Director told TheWrap: “While I look forward to the day when Ryan Gosling is named Sexiest Man Alive, this was not his year. Our 2014 honoree Chris Hemsworth was our first and only choice. If you want to know why, just look at him. I mean, seriously.”

Outlets like BuzzFeed and rabid, Gosling-obsessed Tumblr users mourned his absent mug each year, even taking their protest to the front steps of Time Inc.’s New York headquarters. But it’s the “Drive” star who speeds away from the glory.

We understand the bid to be taken seriously, as Gosling’s silent and brooding acting style earns him art house cred. But there’s no ignoring he’s the Internet’s collective boyfriend: street fight referee, feminist icon and refuser of cereal all rolled into one. Yes, the superlative is superficial. Accepting usually entails an obligatory shirtless or flexing photo shoot, sidebars about ab routines and a giddy Q&A. But the exposure is priceless and the reign a whole 12 months.

Also, since it’s 1985 launch, “Sexiest Man” has some alumni most people would deem substantial actors: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper and Tom Cruise to name a few. Gosling devotees shouldn’t abandon hope just yet. A shift in his perspective might sway him to eventually grace the cover.

The recent birth of his daughter Esemeralda may inspire some adventure. It’s a raging cliche in the realm of celeb maternity that stars don’t fully appreciate their bodies until giving birth. Ryan didn’t do the pushing (shout out Eva Mendes!) but maybe some of that empowerment will rub off.

[From The Wrap]

I think this is the truth. I think People Magazine’s editors have approached Gosling’s people before – perhaps not this year, but in years past – and Gosling has shut it down. I also believe he’s shut it down because he believes he’s too artistic, that one shouldn’t have to hustle for one’s art. I also think Gosling doesn’t really give a crap about being the internet’s boyfriend, you know? He’s never played into it the same way some people (CUMBERCOUGH) have. Still… if you get turned down by Gosling, why in the world would you then settle on BRADLEY COOPER?!

Photos of Gosling from the past week, courtesy of WENN & Fame/Flynet.