As a huge soccer fan and an avid follower of Irish football history, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming film “Saipan,” which will see Éanna Hardwicke portraying the legendary but controversial figure Roy Keane, and Steve Coogan taking on the role of Mick McCarthy. The Saipan Incident is a pivotal moment in Irish football history that left deep wounds and sparked heated debates among fans for years.
Éanna Hardwicke, a talented Irish actor who has gained significant recognition including BAFTA nominations (“The Sixth Commandment,” “Lakelands”), is slated to portray Manchester United and Ireland soccer icon Roy Keane in the upcoming Irish film “Saipan.” Coincidentally, Steve Coogan, two-time Oscar nominee (“Philomena,” “The Reckoning”), will take on the role of Mick McCarthy, the former Ireland soccer manager with a notorious history of conflict with Keane. (Paraphrased version)
The film “Saipan” is being helmed by the talented team of Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa, who have previously impressed critics with their 2013 Irish comedy-drama “Good Vibrations” and the 2019 romance “Ordinary Love,” featuring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville. The duo will be working from an original script penned by Paul Fraser, known for his work on “Dead Man’s Shoes.” Production is scheduled to begin this summer.
The movie’s name is derived from the Saipan Incident in 2002, where Keane led the Irish national soccer team prior to the FIFA World Cup in Japan. During their preparation on the small Japanese island of Saipan, the volatile star player clashed publicly and bitterly with McCarthy. The cause of this heated dispute was reportedly due to his dissatisfaction with the training conditions, strategy, travel arrangements, diet, and McCarthy’s abilities.
After an interview with Keane in the Irish media, tensions boiled over at the team’s camp. Keane reportedly lashed out at McCarthy in front of his teammates, shouting, “Forget about the World Cup, you can shove it!” before returning to Ireland (a statement McCarthy later claimed was his decision). This incident ignited a massive debate in Irish society over who was at fault and Keane refused to represent his country again until 2004 – long after McCarthy had resigned as manager.
“The production of ‘Saipan,’ the backstory to Ireland’s controversial 2002 World Cup campaign, is led by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville from Wild Atlantic Pictures (known for “Evil Dead Rise” and “Cocaine Bear”), in collaboration with Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler of Fine Point Films (“Kneecap” and “Bobby Sands: 66 Days”). Patrick O’Neill, Eoin Egan, and Rachael O’Kane are the executive producers.”
Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have obtained the rights to show “Saipan” in the U.K. and Ireland, planning a widespread theater release during summer 2025. Bankside Films is handling global sales for the film with Stephen Kelliher and Sophie Green serving as executive producers. The production of “Saipan” will take place with the support of Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen. Greg Martin will serve as executive producer for Screen Ireland, while Ursula Devine will do so for Northern Ireland Screen.
Producers Kelleher and Keville shared, “An immense amount has been penned down regarding the significant events of that week in 2002 on the minuscule island of Saipan. The coming year will grant viewers a chance to personally witness the tumultuous conflict between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, infamously known as ‘the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign’. We’re thrilled to have Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn helm this historic tale with our esteemed ensemble cast.”
The directors expressed their excitement: “We’re delighted to collaborate with this remarkable ensemble and creative crew to bring to life an iconic moment in Irish football history. This pivotal event created deep divisions within the nation, shattered expectations, and catapulted a small volcanic island in the Pacific into global prominence.”
Hardwicke and Coogan share more than just acting skills with their characters. Hardwicke is originally from Cork, the same birthplace as Keane, who is famously referred to as the city’s most distinguished son. As for Coogan, his parents are Irish immigrants, hailing from County Mayo, making him feel strongly connected to his Irish heritage and leading him to obtain an Irish passport last year. McCarthy, also born in England, has an Irish father and represented Ireland in the 1990 soccer World Cup. Six years later, he went on to manage the team.
“Vertigo Releasing and Wildcard are thrilled to collaborate on ‘Saipan,’ an anticipated Irish film slated for significant release in the U.K. and Ireland during summer 2025. This thought-provoking production, which sparked national controversy, will undoubtedly bring audiences together through their appreciation for Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa’s exceptional directing skills.”
Coogan is signed with Independent Talent and CAA, while Independent Talent also represents him in public relations through Multitude Media. Similarly, Hardwicke is under the management of Curtis Brown and Susannah Norris Agency, and Multitude Media takes care of their public relations as well.
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2024-07-29 12:03