In what People magazine admits is a "surprising choice," "X-Men" star Hugh Jackman is named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.

The magazine's executive editor, Jess Cagle, told NBC's "Today" show Wednesday that Jackman has been on the editors' minds "for a long time and it seemed like this was the year to do him."

Cagle pointed out that not only is the Australian actor's career at its peak as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movies and his upcoming epic with Nicole Kidman, "Australia," but that he's "built like a tank."

Kidman threw her two cents in, telling People that "women's jaws drop when Hugh walks in a room."

The Tony Award-winning "Boy From Oz" actor has been married to Australian actress Deborra-Lee Furness since 1996. They have two children.

Jackman's other films include "Swordfish" opposite John Travolta and his "X-Men" co-star Halle Berry, and "The Prestige," opposite Christian Bale and Michael Caine. He also played the title character in the horror thriller "Van Helsing."

The 40-year-old Jackman (interview) reprises his "X-Men" movie role in May with "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" -- a prequel to the hit trilogy.

"Australia" opens in theaters Nov. 26.