If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you probably saw the sudden surge in interest over Maralee Nichols son face. It’s kind of wild how much people care about a four-year-old’s features, but when that kid is Theo Thompson—the son of NBA player Tristan Thompson—the curiosity is off the charts. For the longest time, Maralee was the queen of the "back of the head" shot. We saw his curls, his tiny outfits, and his stroller, but his face? That was locked away tighter than a celebrity prenup.
That changed recently.
Honestly, the shift happened slowly, then all at once. Maralee started dropping hints, little side profiles, and then eventually, actual photos where we can see the little guy’s face. People are losing it because, well, the Thompson genes are strong. Like, really strong. If you look at Theo next to his siblings—Prince, True, and Tatum—it’s basically like looking at a set of Russian nesting dolls with Tristan’s face on all of them.
The Big Reveal: Maralee Nichols Son Face and Those "Weekend Adventures"
Just a few days ago, specifically on January 13, 2026, Maralee posted a carousel on Instagram titled "Weekend Adventures." This wasn't just another photo of her looking fit in gym gear. It was a rare, high-definition look at Theo during a trip to San Diego. They hit the zoo, watched flamingos, and lounged at The Lafayette Hotel.
The internet did what it does best: it zoomed in.
What people noticed immediately is how much Theo looks like his younger brother, Tatum (whom Tristan shares with Khloé Kardashian). They have the same eye shape and that specific "Thompson pout." It’s a bit surreal to see because, despite the messy paternity scandal that started all of this back in 2021, Theo is just a happy kid living his best life in San Diego.
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Why the Privacy Matters
Maralee has been pretty vocal—in her own quiet way—about why she hid his face for so long. She once replied to a comment saying she wanted him to have a "normal" life where he isn't recognized by every person at the park. You’ve gotta respect that. Being a "Kardashian-adjacent" child comes with a level of scrutiny that most adults can't handle, let alone a toddler.
By keeping the Maralee Nichols son face a mystery for the first few years, she gave him a bubble. But as he hits four years old, it seems she’s becoming more comfortable sharing their reality.
The Complicated Family Dynamic
It’s impossible to talk about Theo’s face without mentioning the father in the room. Or rather, the father who isn't usually in the room. Tristan Thompson confirmed he was the father in January 2022 after a very public legal battle. He posted a formal apology to Khloé Kardashian on his Instagram Stories, but since then? Crickets.
Tristan is constantly posting about Prince, True, and Tatum. He calls them his twins, his heart, his everything. Theo, however, is never on his feed. This is why fans are so obsessed with seeing Theo’s face—it’s the only proof they have of the connection, since Tristan doesn't publicly acknowledge the boy.
- Prince (with Jordan Craig): Frequently seen on Tristan's IG.
- True (with Khloé Kardashian): The star of many "Daddy-Daughter" dances.
- Tatum (with Khloé Kardashian): Tristan's literal mini-me.
- Theo (with Maralee Nichols): The one the public only sees through Maralee’s lens.
The contrast is pretty jarring. When Maralee shares a video of Theo running at a splash park or doing a yoga pose, she usually captions it with things like "Thriving" or "My greatest blessing." It feels like a subtle reminder that even without the big NBA-dad birthday parties, Theo is doing just fine.
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Resemblance or Just Coincidence?
When you search for Maralee Nichols son face, you’re going to find a million side-by-side comparisons on Reddit. Fans are convinced he looks more like Tristan than any of the other kids. Is it the nose? The hair? It’s probably a mix of both.
Actually, there was a photo from June 2024 where Theo was laughing at a splash park. It was one of the first times his full face was visible in a candid, non-staged way. The comments were a war zone of people arguing over who he looks like more. Some say he’s Maralee’s twin, but most people see the "Thompson" in him.
Regardless of the "who does he look like" game, the kid is objectively adorable. He’s got this cool, California-kid vibe, usually wearing light-blue sweaters or neutral tones. He looks healthy, happy, and—most importantly—well-adjusted.
What’s Next for Maralee and Theo?
Now that the "face reveal" is essentially over, the hype might die down, or it might get worse. Maralee seems to be leaning into a lifestyle-mom brand. She shares bits of their travel, their workouts, and their quiet moments at home.
She isn't looking for a "romantic relationship" with Tristan. She made that clear years ago. Her focus is on the $10,000 a month in child support (which was the reported settlement) and raising her son in a "safe, healthy, and private environment."
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If you’re following this story, the best thing to do is just appreciate the rare glimpses. We probably won't see Theo on a reality show anytime soon, and that’s probably for the best.
Takeaways for the Curious:
- Follow the Source: If you want the real photos, stick to Maralee’s verified Instagram. The fan accounts often edit or filter the images to make the resemblance to Tristan look more dramatic.
- Respect the Boundaries: Even though she’s showing his face more, she still keeps a lot of his life offline. There’s no need to hunt for "paparazzi" shots that violate their privacy.
- The Resemblance is Real: Yes, he looks like Tatum. Yes, the genetics are fascinating. But at the end of the day, he’s just Theo.
- Ignore the Drama: The tabloid headlines love to pit the moms against each other. Maralee seems to stay out of the Kardashian fray, and that’s a win for her son’s mental health.
The saga of Maralee Nichols son face is less about "scandal" now and more about a mom raising her kid on her own terms. It's kinda refreshing to see a celebrity-adjacent parent actually stick to their guns about privacy, even if they eventually decide to share a few "weekend adventures" with the rest of us.
Actionable Insights: To keep up with the most accurate updates without the tabloid fluff, check for reputable entertainment news outlets like PEOPLE or E! News, which have verified reporters covering the Thompson family dynamics. Avoid clicking on "clickbait" YouTube videos that use AI-generated thumbnails of children's faces, as these are often fake and misleading. If you are interested in the legal aspects of paternity and child support in high-profile cases, looking into California family law summaries can provide context on why these settlements look the way they do.