Today in Oscar-Bait News: Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges are in final negotiations to star in Great Hope Springs, from Everwood and Alias writer Vanessa Taylor. The film follows an older couple (middle-aged in the original script) who attend an intense, weekend-long counseling session in order to decide the fate of their marriage.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman was originally set to play the couple's psychologist, 'Dr. Field,' but had to back out due to scheduling issues - he's been cast as a religious leader in Paul Thomas Anderson's next untitled project, about a scientology-like cult, and will begin his stint as director of the Sydney Theater Company this October.
Jessie Nelson (I am Sam) will direct Great Hope Springs, which does not yet have a date set to begin filming. Nevertheless, both Streep and Bridges are probably already clearing shelf space for their anticipated awards.
Source: The Playlist