George Clooney's film delay

Oct 6, 2007, 9:54 GMT

10/02/2007 - George Clooney - Burn After Reading - Movie Filming On Location - October 2, 2007 - Manhattan Streets - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

George Clooney's new movie 'Leatherheads' won't be released until 2008 following his motorbike accident.

Clooney's American football-themed film was due for release in December, but will not hit screens until April after nasty injuries from last month's crash threw his busy schedule into chaos.

A spokeswoman for Universal studio said: "Due to George's publicity schedule for 'Michael Clayton', his concurrent shooting schedule on 'Burn After Reading' and his recent motorcycle injury, we have moved the release date of 'Leatherheads'."

'Leatherheads' is a romantic comedy set in the 20s which sees Clooney play American footballer Jimmy 'Dodge' Connolly, who is battling for the affections of Renée Zellweger's feisty news reporter Lexie Littleton.

Clooney suffered a fractured rib and road rash after his bike collided with a car in Weehawken, New Jersey, last month.

His girlfriend Sarah Larson was riding with him and was left with a broken toe and a black eye from the accident.

Clooney admitted at the time that film bosses would be upset with him.

He said: "I'm not supposed to be on a motorcycle. I think I am in trouble now."

'Burn After Reading', which is the latest movie from Joel and Ethan Coen, sees Clooney team up with his friend Brad Pitt.

The project is currently in the middle of filming and is due for release next year.

'Michael Clayton' is out in cinemas now.

(C) BANG Media International