Fans have been offered a first look at the upcoming Saipan movie on Ireland captain Roy Keane’s controversial exit from the 2002 World Cup in Japan.
It comes as the first image has been released of Steve Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke in Saipan, who play Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, respectively.
It traces the controversial exit of Roy Keane before the 2002 World Cup, when he was both Ireland and Manchester United captain.
The film is being directed by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa and is based on the 2002 World Cup fiasco that gripped the nation.
Two time Oscar-nominee Coogan, known for Philomena, and Alan Partridge plays Mick McCarthy, while Hardwicke plays Keane.
Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane in Saipan. Source: X
Keane, who was sent home by manager McCarthy, exited the Ireland training camp before the tournament kicked off, stating that he was unhappy with Ireland’s training facility, travel arrangements and set up.
Losing the Man United midfielder at the time, who was one of the top players in the world, seriously scuppered Ireland’s chances of progressing at the tournament.
Despite the high-profile exit, that incited a media storm, Ireland still managed to get to the round of 16, losing to Spain on penalties after extra-time.
It marked the last time Ireland qualified or participated in a World Cup tournament.
Keane did not play for Ireland again until McCarty stepped down in 2004.
BAFTA-nominated Hardwicke, who was seen in Normal People, Smother and The Sixth Commandment, is also from Cork, like Keane, and was spotted filming the upcoming movie in Carlingford in September.
Filming of the new movie also took place in Belfast in August, with a mansion on the northside of the city serving as McCarthy’s house.
The supporting cast includes Alice Lowe, Jamie Beamish, Alex Murphy, Harriett Cairns and Peter McDonald.
It is being produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures, along with Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler for Fine Point Films, with Patrick O’Neill, Eoin Egan and Rachael O’Kane serving as executive producers.
Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have acquired UK and Ireland rights for the film, and are planning a release in summer 2025.
They previously said: “The events of Saipan divided a nation, but we are sure everyone will be united in their love for this once in a generation Irish film directed by the brilliant filmmaking team of Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa.”
Saipan has been made in association with Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen, with filming in Ireland and Saipan
“A million words have been written about what happened on that fateful week in 2002 on the tiny island of Saipan,” said producers Macdara Kelleher and John Keville.
“Next year audiences will finally get to experience first-hand the feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy and why it was labelled ‘the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign ever’.”