There must be something in the Hollywood air… you know, besides the smog of desperation and questionable work ethics. While Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street faced a potential delay into the next year, production was salvaged in time to simply slide into a Christmas release. Unfortunately, George Clooney’s next film, The Monuments Men, won’t be so lucky.

The WWII film about art curators and experts saving stolen pieces of art from Hitler’s regime will not be finished in time for a 2013 release. Instead, the film’s currently looking at a possible February release. With an already overloaded December full of major film releases (including American Hustle, Out of the FurnaceSaving Mr. BanksThe Secret Life of Walter MittyThe Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugAnchorman 2: The Legend Continues47 Ronin, and the aforementioned The Wolf of Street, amongst others), it only makes sense for Clooney to delay the film into February, which is historically a light month for major film releases.

The reasons preventing Clooney from releasing the film involve the extent of post-production necessary for the film. In his own words, Clooney states, “If any of the effects looked cheesy, the whole movie would look cheesy. We simply don’t have enough people to work enough hours to finish it.” Beyond that, the film’s musical score wouldn’t be able to meet the deadline without being rushed. Personally, while I’m bummed out that the film won’t be released for another few months, I respect and understand Clooney wanting to show the film the proper time and attention that it deserves.

[via /Film]