BAFTA Nominee Eanna Hardwicke to Portray Roy Keane in 'Saipan' Movie

Irish actor Eanna Hardwicke will play football legend Roy Keane in the upcoming film 'Saipan'. The movie, directed by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa, focuses on Keane's controversial 2002 World Cup fallout with then-Ireland manager Mick McCarthy. Steve Coogan will star as McCarthy.

BAFTA-nominated Irish star Eanna Hardwicke is set to play Manchester United and Ireland football legend Roy Keane in 'Saipan', an upcoming Irish feature film. Two-time Oscar nominee Steve Coogan will also join the cast, portraying Mick McCarthy, the former Ireland manager involved in a notorious falling out with Keane.

Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa, known for 'Good Vibrations' and 'Ordinary Love', are directing the film, which centers on the infamous 'Saipan Incident' ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The incident saw Keane clash bitterly with McCarthy over various frustrations, leading to a highly publicized dispute.

Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have secured U.K. and Ireland distribution rights, eyeing a summer 2025 release. Produced by Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, and Oliver Butler, 'Saipan' delves into the tumultuous events leading up to Ireland's 2002 World Cup campaign. Keane, a Manchester United icon, had a storied career, winning numerous titles and later transitioning into management roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)