Paul Walker Death: Family Trying to Protect Star’s Image, Report Says

Paul Walker in a file photo. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

Paul Walker’s family--weeks after the “Fast & Furious” star died--has moved to copyright the actor’s image and name for future merchandising.

The Chicago Sun-Times, citing a source, reported that Walker’s family believes that the actor’s death will make him into a tragic icon similar to James Dean, who died in 1955 in a car crash.

The Times also reported that the moves to copyright his image is for “raising money for a good cause.”

The majority of the sales raised by Walker merchandise will be used for his disaster relief organization, Reach Out Worldwide.

Walker’s brother, Cody Walker, jointed Reach Out Worldwide as the Brand Manager.

“First and foremost, my family and I truly appreciate the support we have received during this difficult time,” he wrote on the charity’s website last week. One of the things I always admired about my brother was his genuine desire to help others in need. I am honored to join the ROWW team in fulfilling my brother’s legacy and make sure his spirit and mission lives on.”

Around a week ago, “Fast & Furious 7” co-star Kurt Russell--who plays the father figure to Vin Diesel’s character--talked about the movie’s production status.

“They’re having to rewrite, they’re having to do whatever they’re having to do to deal with the situation. Listen, it’s catastrophic. It’s the worst thing that could happen to a movie,” he said, according to The Associated Press.

“But it’s not as bad as what happened to Paul. So everything is in perspective. He was a terrific guy and life is full of curveballs,” he added.

Russell said that he had only a day left of filming when Walker died in a car crash Nov. 30 in Southern California.

Universal Studios announced last year that “Fast & Furious 7” would be released April 2015, which is about a nine-month delay.

The cast and crew had filmed in Atlanta and were planning to head to Abu Dhabi in January to shoot more scenes.