The summer of 2002 divided Ireland, and now it’s coming to the big screen. Vertigo Releasing and Wildcard have unveiled the first teaser trailer for SAIPAN, chronicling the explosive feud between Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy during the team’s chaotic 2002 FIFA World Cup preparations.
At the center of this highly anticipated film stands Éanna Hardwicke, the BAFTA-nominated Cork native who has rapidly become one of Ireland’s most compelling young actors. Following his breakthrough performances in LAKELANDS and THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT, Hardwicke now tackles his most challenging role yet: embodying Roy Keane, the most famous and controversial Corkman in football history.
The casting feels inspired. Hardwicke has built his career on complex, morally ambiguous characters, making him perfectly suited to capture Keane’s mercurial personality. His recent work demonstrates a remarkable ability to convey both vulnerability and explosive rage, essential qualities for portraying a player who was simultaneously revered and feared. In LAKELANDS, he proved he could carry a film through subtle expression and minimal dialogue. THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT showcased his range in handling real-life controversy with nuance and depth.
The trailer offers compelling glimpses of Hardwicke’s transformation, delivering Keane’s words with chilling conviction: “You don’t ever tell me we’re done. I’m just getting started.” Despite immense expectations surrounding this iconic figure, Hardwicke appears ready for the challenge.
Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, who helmed GOOD VIBRATIONS and ORDINARY LOVE, SAIPAN promises depth beyond typical sports films. These filmmakers consistently find human truth within cultural moments, understanding that the Keane-McCarthy confrontation transcended football facilities to become a clash of fundamentally different philosophies about leadership, standards, and national representation.
Steve Coogan brings his understated intensity to Mick McCarthy, supported by Alice Lowe, Jamie Beamish, Alex Murphy, Harriet Cains, and Peter McDonald in what promises to be a richly textured ensemble piece.
The film’s timing is particularly intriguing. More than two decades later, this wound remains fresh in Irish culture, with pub debates still raging over who was right. SAIPAN arrives precisely when Hardwicke’s career trajectory positions him for such weighty material. His recent performances reveal an actor unafraid of difficult subjects, capable of finding humanity in flawed characters without excusing their actions.
For Hardwicke, SAIPAN represents a career-defining moment. Taking on Roy Keane means embodying not just a footballer, but a cultural lightning rod whose legacy remains fiercely contested. His Cork origins provide authenticity, but more crucially, his proven ability to navigate moral complexity suggests he can capture both Keane’s brilliance and destructive tendencies without descending into caricature.
The original incident split the nation between Team Keane and Team McCarthy, exposing deeper questions about perfectionism, loyalty, and the price of uncompromising standards. Paul Fraser’s script, from the writer of HEARTLANDS and A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS, promises to explore these underlying currents rather than simply rehashing familiar arguments.
Whether you supported Keane or McCarthy during that fractious summer, Hardwicke’s portrayal will likely reignite passionate debates while offering fresh insights into one of sport’s most infamous falling-outs. For an actor who consistently chooses challenging, thought-provoking projects, SAIPAN represents the natural evolution of what’s developing into a truly remarkable career.
✦ EXCLUSIVE INTEL FOR THE INITIATED ✦
Steven Knight just gave us the inside scoop. Before THE IMMORTAL MAN drops Mar 6, there are three episodes every true fan needs to re-watch.
These aren`t random picks—they`re the episodes that define Tommy Shelby`s entire journey. The moment that reveals who he really is. The turning point where he chooses life. The goodbye that haunts every frame before his return.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
BAFTA winner. Red carpet royalty. 🎬
Fresh off her latest accolade, Jessie Buckley hone at the World Premiere of THE BRIDE!
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Buckley alongside Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz, this is the gothic crime romance you didn`t know you needed.
Arriving in cinemas March 6. ✨
WALK THE BLUE FIELDS is adapting Claire Keegan`s devastating short story into a film that`s already drawing serious talent including Andrew Scott (FLEABAG, RIPLEY), Emily Blunt (OPPENHEIMER) and Ciarán Hinds (IS THIS THING ON?)
Set in Ireland, this is a romance about impossible choices, buried secrets, and the moment everything changes.
Link in bio to read more about what promises to be one of the year`s most emotionally powerful films.
One week. Two brothers. One dead. But which one?
THE UNDERTOW is the psychological thriller that will have you questioning everything—and everyone.
Jamie Dornan delivers a career-defining dual performance as identical twins Adam and Lee, embodying two completely different men while suggesting the psychological unraveling beneath.
More Jamie at irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH is a documentary about friendship, resilience, and refusing to accept limitations.
It`s the story of two people who`ve built their lives around each other, and one extraordinary day that proves what`s possible when someone truly shows up for you.
Directed by Rachel Fleit (BAMA RUSH), the film premieres at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival before coming to HBO and HBO Max globally later this year.
More Colin at irishfilmtv.com.
50 years, GAME OF THRONES, BELFAST, an Oscar nomination and now a lifetime achievement award!
Ciarán Hinds doesn`t look back. He looks ahead. He lives in the moment. And when asked to reflect on five decades of extraordinary work, his response was simply—"It`s kind of shocking."
More Ciaran at irishfilmtv.com.
Some ghosts don`t stay buried.
Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelbyun THE IMMORTAL MAN - older, greyer, and facing the legacy he left behind.
His son runs the Blinders now. His past won`t let him rest. One choice will change everything. 👑💔
Cinemas March 6 • Netflix March 20
More at irishfilmtv.com.
✨ EXCLUSIVE: Eve Hewson is heading back to Dublin.
Joining forces with acclaimed director Lenny Abrahamson, the Irish actress is set to star in a stunning new period drama that transports us to 1970s Dublin—a city pulsing with cultural complexity and untold stories.
The film will explore the vibrant Jewish community of the era, with Hewson joined by acclaimed English actor Tom Burke and breakthrough talent Shane Meagher. A reunion of Abrahamson`s trusted collaborators (hello, NORMAL PEOPLE magic ✨), this ensemble promises something truly special.
More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.
MOBLAND Season Two is underway!
Irish actors @piersmorgan and @scandalous_13 are back and this season promises to be something else entirely!
Season One made history as one of Paramount+`s biggest ever debuts, and if the word coming out of production is anything to go by, they`re not here to play it safe.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
