Dwayne Johnson is the Sexiest Man Alive

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson on the cover of People magazine as its 2016 Sexiest Man Alive
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson on the cover of People magazine as its 2016 Sexiest Man Alive

People magazine has named Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as its Sexiest Man Alive for 2016 and says he may run for the US presidency in 2020.

Earlier this year, the WWE superstar was named the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, earning an estimated US$64.5 million (NZ$90.8 million) per year, according to Forbes.

"I'm not quite too sure where we go from here. I've done it all; this is it," the San Andreas star told the magazine.

Johnson's remarkable physique is matched by his famously sweet persona - highlighted by him rescuing drowning puppies, getting emotional while talking about his kids, launching a charity that helps terminally ill children and being just as grateful to meet his fans as they are to meet him.

It's no wonder the People cover calls him "sweet, smart and sculpted".

"He's a big guy, and he's got an even bigger heart," says editor Julie Jordan.

"He's transitioned from wrestling to Hollywood. He is the highest paid actor in the world now. He's got Moana coming out, and he has 'Rock the Troops' coming out for military families on December 13."

Johnson, who was born in California and lived in Auckland for a few years while growing up, has spoken about moving into politics.

Dwayne Johnson is the Sexiest Man Alive

Asked by media if he'd try and lay a presidential smackdown on Donald Trump and replace him as the most powerful man in the world in 2020, Johnson said: "I wouldn't rule it out.

"It would be a great opportunity to help people, so it's possible. This past election shows that anything can happen."

Previously, he told media the thought of being president is alluring, "and beyond that, it would be an opportunity to make a real impact on people's lives on a global scale".

In a few years' time, Washington DC might just smell what The Rock is cooking.

In the meantime, Moana is out in New Zealand on Boxing Day, while Johnson will also co-star in Fast and Furious 8 next year, as well as in a remake of Jumanji.

He's been chronicling the filming process of the latter on his Instagram account, which has over 70 million followers.

Newshub.