King of New York fans will be disappointed to find out that Abel Ferrara has backed out of directing the action flick Game of Death. The film was supposed to mark the reunion of Ferrara with his King of New York cast member, Wesley Snipes, but for unknown reasons Ferrara has stepped aside.

Game of Death focuses on a diplomat’s bodyguard (Snipes) injured during an assassination attempt. After the incident, everyone is taken to the hospital where this bodyguard meets a nurse played by Zoe Bell. Together they try to protect the diplomat from a gang of assassins led by Gary Daniels as a guy named Zander.

Movie Hole says Giorgio Serafini will take Ferrara’s place. Scratch that, actually MH says Georgio Serafini will direct, but I assume they are referring to Italian director Giorgio Serafini. If so, little is known of his work Stateside since his resume is filled with Italian projects, primarily TV shows.

Unless you’re an avid fan of King of New York or Bad Lieutenant, odds are Ferrara’s replacement is no big deal. Considering the guy’s been out of the entertainment loop for about a decade, why would you care? Ferrara better have a damn good reason for ditching this one. Okay, the plot is sort of lame, but when you’ve been out of the game as long as he has, you take what you can get. At least, he still has Jekyll and Hyde with Forest Whitaker and 50 Cent.