A film about the infamous Saipan walkout involving former Ireland captain Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy at the 2002 World Cup is set to be released in the future.
Keane, who was Ireland's star player at the time, walked out of the Ireland training camp in 2002 because he felt the facilities and general preparation did not match his expectations. Ireland's then-manager, Mick McCarthy, was also lambasted by Keane in the press.
"You're a fucking wanker, and you can stick your World Cup up your arse," said Keane at the time. "The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country! You can stick it up your bollocks." Mick McCarthy then held a press conference, announcing that he had sent Keane home.
The Saipan saga at that World Cup remains one of the most talked-about sporting moments to date, and it will now be made into a film. It has been revealed today that the film will star famous actors Steve Coogan, who will play Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, and Éanna Hardwicke, who is set to play Manchester United and Ireland star Roy Keane, according to media outlet Variety. Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have also acquired U.K. and Irish rights for the film.
“Saipan” is being directed by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa. The filming locations will also take place in Ireland and Saipan.
Roy Keane in a heated exchange with goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner during a training session at the 2002 World Cup Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Andrew Paton“A million words have been written about what happened on that fateful week in 2002 on the tiny island of Saipan,” said executive producers Macdara Kelleher and John Keville. “Next year, audiences will finally get to experience firsthand the feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy and why it was labelled ‘the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign ever.’ We are so excited to have Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn direct this iconic story with our equally iconic cast.
“We’re thrilled to be working with this extraordinary cast and creative team to tell the story of an infamous moment in Irish and football history that drew battle lines across a nation, cast its hopes, dreams, and sense of identity into disarray, and briefly made a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific one of the most famous places on earth.”
The production is set to start this summer. A saturation theatrical release for summer 2025 is also expected.
