Year for Sony's 'Springs'

The new sony is changing seasons for David Frankel-helmed "Great Hope Springs," thumping in the relationship dramedy from 12 ,. 14 for an August. 10 release. "Hope Springs" focuses on a middle-aged couple, performed by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Johnson, who, after 3 decades of marriage, choose to undergo a weekend of intense marriage counseling. Pic co-stars Steve Carell and Jean Wise. It's unusual for any studio to go for an early on date -- as well as one that is a lot more than five several weeks ahead of time. However the move is sensible when thinking about that Frankel's previous Streep-starrer "The Demon Wears Prada" did shaped summer time business for Fox in 2006, grossing nearly $125 million locally. In addition, "Hope Springs" fills Sony's usual femme-specific August slot, formerly offered by 2010's "Eat Pray Love" and "Julie and Julia" in '09. To create room for "Springs," The new sony pressed back with a week Whitney Houston music-drama "Sparkle." Pic now's skedded to spread out August. 17. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com