Keanu Reeves to star in, produce TV action series "Rain"

Keanu Reeves is speeding into new territory.

The 49-year-old actor has signed on to executive produce and star in the new one-hour crime drama series, "Rain," according to Deadline.

This will mark Reeves' debut as a regular on a TV series, echoing other movie stars -- like Kevin Spacey, Halle Berry and Matthew McConaughey -- who have all sought out roles on the small screen in recent years.

The new show will be based on author Barry Eisler's best-selling series of novels which focus on John Rain, an ex-soldier of mixed Japanese and American ancestry who becomes a hit man and makes his target's deaths appear to be from natural causes.

"As a huge fan of Barry's work, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his iconic character and incredible world to life," said Reeves, who recently made his directorial debut with the well-received "Man of Tai Chi."

The "Matrix" and "Point Break" star also plays an assassin in the upcoming "John Wick," from directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, who both serve as executive producers with Reeves on "Rain."

The creative team is said to now be searching for a writer to pen a pilot for the series.