A new film documenting one of Roy Keane’s most infamous moments is out in 2025
When it comes to football, Roy Keane is a blockbuster and now one of the former Manchester United captain’s most infamous incidents is coming to the big screen, with Oscar-nominated Steve Coogan set to star.
‘Saipan’ focuses on the events that precipitated the controversial ‘Saipan Incident’, which saw Keane sensationally leave the Republic of Ireland camp on the eve of the 2002 World Cup, a development which sent shockwaves through the Irish football-loving public.
Here, XIN88 brings you everything you need to know, including cast, directors and more.
When is the release date for ‘Saipan’?
According to Variety, ‘Saipan’ is scheduled for “a major theatrical release” in the summer of 2025, with production beginning in the summer of 2024 and filming wrapping in autumn 2024. No definite release date has yet been confirmed.
Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have acquired UK and Ireland rights for the film, while Bankside Films have boarded the film for worldwide sales.
The film was shot in Ireland and Saipan.
Who is in ‘Saipan’? Cast & list of actors
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Steve Coogan | Mick McCarthy |
| Eanna Hardwicke | Roy Keane |
| Jack Hickey | Niall Quinn |
| Harriet Cains | Theresa Keane |
| Oliver Coopersmith | Jason McAteer |
| Micheal Woods | Journalist |
| Chris McCurry | Journalist |
| Una Carroll | Air hostess |
Steve Coogan will play Mick McCarthy, who was manager of the Ireland team, in ‘Saipan’. The Oscar-nominated actor, renowned for his roles in Philomena, I’m Alan Partridge and Joker: Folie a Deux, will feature as English-born Irish coach McCarthy opposite Eanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane.
Hardwicke, who, like Keane, hails from Cork, is a BAFTA-nominated actor for his role as Ben Field in The Sixth Commandment and has featured in TV shows such as Normal People and The Doll Factory, as well as earning plaudits for the lead role in the film Lakelands.
Niall Quinn, one of the senior players in the Ireland squad at the time who would go on to employ Keane as Sunderland manager, will be played by Jack Hickey (Game of Thrones, Penny Dreadful).
Harriet Cains, known for roles in Bridgerton and Marcella, will play the role of Keane’s wife Theresa Keane.