The teaser trailer for "Saipan," the upcoming film exploring the events surrounding Roy Keane’s dramatic departure from Ireland’s 2002 World Cup squad, was released today, Monday, June 23.
BAFTA-nominated Éanna Hardwicke ("Lakelands," "The Sixth Commandment") stars as Roy Keane and two-time Academy Award® nominee Steve Coogan ("Philomena," "The Reckoning") as Ireland manager Mick McCarthy in the upcoming film.
The supporting cast includes Alice Lowe ("Sightseers"), Jamie Beamish ("Derry Girls"), Alex Murphy ("The Young Offenders"), Harriet Cains ("Bridgerton"), and Peter McDonald ("The Batman").
"Saipan" focuses on the Republic of Ireland team’s now-infamous pre-World Cup training camp on the island of Saipan, where long-standing tensions between Keane and McCarthy came to a head.
Cork native Keane, then captain of the team, was outspoken about what he viewed as poor preparation, inadequate facilities, and a lack of professionalism by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The conflict culminated in a heated team meeting, during which Keane was sent home just days before the tournament began.
"Saipan" charts the build-up to this confrontation and its aftermath, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most controversial incidents in Irish football history. The filmmakers aim to present the personalities and pressure involved, rather than simply take sides in a debate that continues to divide opinion over two decades later.
Despite Keane’s absence, the Republic of Ireland performed strongly at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The team advanced from the group stage after drawing with Cameroon and Germany and defeating Saudi Arabia. They were eventually knocked out in the Round of 16 after a tense 1-1 draw with Spain, losing in a penalty shootout.
Directed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn ("Good Vibrations," "Ordinary Love"), "Saipan" is based on an original script by Paul Fraser ("Heartlands," "A Room for Romeo Brass"),
"Saipan" is scheduled for release in Irish cinemas later this year
You can watch the trailer for "Saipan" here:
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