Gary Oldman is in negotiations to join the cast of the $7+ million Japan-set thriller "Rain Fall" says Variety.

Adapted from the Barry Eisler's novel, the story follows a hit man who is forced to protect the daughter of one of his victims against assassination by the CIA.

Shiina Kippei ("Shinobi") and Akiho Hasegawa star. "Rain Fall" will be the second directorial outing for scripter-helmer Max Mannix ("Dance of the Dragon").

Shooting begins next month with 15% English dialogue, the rest in Japanese.