According to Variety, Sony is in negotiations to take North American distribution on “Great Hope Springs,” the Meryl Streep domestic drama. Lionsgate Intl. is selling the rights at Cannes. A Sony rep confirmed the negotiations Saturday. “Great Hope Springs,” to be directed by David Frankel, centers on a middle-aged couple who, after 30 years of marriage, attend an intense counseling weekend to examine the intimacy issues threatening their marriage. Steve Carell portrays a therapist. Vanessa Taylor penned the script. While there still hasn’t been an official announcement on Meryl’s involvement, it sounds like a fair deal if they sell the film with her name attached.