BAFTA-nominated Irish star Eanna Hardwicke has been cast to portray the legendary Manchester United and Ireland footballer Roy Keane in the forthcoming Irish feature film ‘Saipan.’
This highly anticipated movie will also feature two-time Oscar nominee Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy, the former Ireland soccer manager who had a notorious falling out with Keane.
Directed by the acclaimed duo Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa, known for their critically lauded films ‘Good Vibrations’ (2013) and ‘Ordinary Love’ (2019), ‘Saipan’ promises to be a gripping portrayal of a turbulent period in Irish football history.
The film’s title references the infamous ‘Saipan Incident’ in 2002. As captain of the Irish national team, Keane had a very public and bitter disagreement with McCarthy while the team was preparing for the FIFA World Cup finals in Japan. The conflict arose on the tiny island of Saipan, where Keane, known for his fiery temperament both on and off the field, expressed his outrage over the training conditions, strategy, travel arrangements, diet, and McCarthy’s competence. This incident has since become a legendary moment in Irish sports history.
‘Saipan’ is set to capture the events leading up to Ireland’s incendiary 2002 World Cup campaign. Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have acquired the U.K. and Ireland rights for the film, with a saturation theatrical release planned for summer 2025.
Produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures (‘Evil Dead Rise,’ ‘Cocaine Bear’) alongside Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler for Fine Point Films (‘Kneecap,’ ‘Bobby Sands: 66 Days’), ‘Saipan’ boasts a strong production team. Executive producers include Patrick O’Neill, Eoin Egan, and Rachael O’Kane.
Roy Keane’s illustrious career took off when he joined Manchester United in 1993 from Nottingham Forest. Over his 12-year tenure at the English club, he became one of the most revered players, known for his leadership and uncompromising style. Former United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson once called him the best player he had ever worked with. Keane appeared in 480 matches for United, scoring 51 goals, and won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and one UEFA Champions League title. On the international stage, Keane earned 67 caps and scored 10 goals for Ireland.
Following his retirement from playing, Keane transitioned into coaching, managing prominent clubs such as Sunderland and Ipswich Town FC. He also served as an assistant manager for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
‘Saipan’ promises to be a compelling film, shedding light on one of the most dramatic episodes in Irish football history, and is highly anticipated by fans of the sport and cinema alike.
