In The Lego Movie 2, what is Rex Dangervest eventually revealed to be?

In The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, Rex Dangervest is eventually revealed to be Emmet’s future self. The twist turns the confident adventurer into a dark possible future for the film’s optimistic hero.

Rex rescues Emmet after his spaceship is damaged and presents himself as a galaxy defender, archaeologist, cowboy, and raptor trainer. He appears to have all the toughness and skills that Emmet lacks, encouraging Emmet to imitate him and become more aggressive.

The truth emerges when Rex explains that he is Emmet from the future. After an asteroid collision and being trapped under a dryer, he becomes resentful that his friends forgot him. He changes his name and appearance, builds a time machine, and plots Armamageddon as revenge.

Rex’s plan creates a time paradox, because his existence depends on events he is trying to cause. When Emmet rejects Rex’s nihilism and chooses to remain himself, Rex begins to disappear. Chris Pratt voices both characters, making the resemblance between them part of the joke.