When Vertigo Releasing and Wildcard unveiled the official poster and full trailer for SAIPAN, they weren’t just promoting another sports movie—they were reigniting one of football’s most explosive controversies. This isn’t a film about triumph on the pitch or underdog victories; it’s a raw examination of ego, standards, and the devastating collision between two men whose mutual contempt became bigger than the beautiful game itself.
At the heart of SAIPAN lies the infamous 2002 FIFA World Cup confrontation that shook Irish football to its core. Roy Keane, the Republic of Ireland’s legendary captain portrayed by BAFTA-nominated Éanna Hardwicke, and national team manager Mick McCarthy, brought to life by two-time Academy Award nominee Steve Coogan, found themselves locked in a battle that transcended tactical disagreements and crossed into deeply personal territory. What began as preparation for Ireland’s World Cup campaign in Japan and South Korea spiraled into what the film bills as one of the most fractious falling-outs in sporting history, a moment that gripped not just a nation but the entire sporting world.
Award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their work on GOOD VIBRATIONS and ORDINARY LOVE, have taken on the challenge of bringing this incendiary story to the screen. Working from an original script by Paul Fraser, whose credits include HEARTLANDS and A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS, they’ve crafted what promises to be the definitive account of a feud that was ostensibly about professional standards but revealed itself to be something far more visceral. This was two strong personalities whose rivalry became so consuming that it ultimately surpassed their shared love of football, leaving careers damaged and a nation divided in its loyalties.
The supporting cast amplifies the drama with Alice Lowe from SIGHTSEERS, Jamie Beamish of DERRY GIRLS fame, Alex Murphy known for THE YOUNG OFFENDERS, Harriet Cains from BRIDGERTON, and Peter McDonald who appeared in THE BATMAN. Their presence suggests a film that understands this wasn’t just about two men in a room—it was about the ripple effects of conflict, the teammates caught in the crossfire, and the wider Irish community watching their World Cup dreams threatened by internal combustion. SAIPAN promises to be thrilling not because of what happened on the football field, but because of the human drama that nearly derailed everything before a single match was played.
Phoenix rising 🔥🎬
CILLIAN MURPHY and wife Yvonne McGuinness have got the green light to bring Dingle`s beloved Phoenix Cinema back to life — not just as a cinema, but as a full-blown creative hub for west Kerry.
Full details via 🔗︎ in bio!
Aisling Bea is going to Mars 🚀
The Irish actress and BAFTA TV winner has joined the cast of STARMAN, starring alongside Brendan Fraser and Jeff Daniels, playing defiant Irish photographer Julia Hanley opposite Fraser`s stranded astronaut.
Full details via 🔗︎ in bio!
Irish director Lenny Abrahamson (NORMAL PEOPLE, ROOM) is set to direct YOU ARE HERE.
The eight-part screen adaptation of David Nicholls` best-selling novel will star Claire Foy (THE CROWN) and Matthew MacFayden (SUCCESSION)
Full details via link in bio 🔗︎
Barry Keoghan heads back into Irish indie territory with LEMONADE 🍋
First-look images and details have landed for Kim Bartley`s narrative feature debut, a story about first loves, second chances, and the ties that make a family.
Full preview via link in bio 🔗︎
We`ve lost a national treasure 💔
Oscar-winning singer-songwriter, Glen Hansard, has died as a result of a motorcycle accident in Dublin this morning.
THE COMMITMENTS and ONCE star leaves behind a monumental cultural legacy on screen and stage.
Full tribute via link in bio 🔗︎
Brothers. Betrayal. Drag queens.
STARLINGS, the debut novel from RUSSELL TOVEY (THE NIGHT MANAGER, ANGELS IN AMERICA), has landed as an Audible original — and Andrew Scott has lent his voice to this amazing, brave work.
Listen now via link in bio 🔗︎
Domhnall Gleeson`s acting range is simply unreal.
The STAR WARS and HARRY POTTER star talks his new Peacock mockumentary hit THE PAPER, upcoming work in Werner Herzog`s BUCKING FASTARDS and the current Sundance breakout THE INCOMER.
Watch now via link in bio 🔗︎
Andrew Scott is heading to @tiff_net!
ELSINORE, Scott`s biographical drama about legendary actor Ian Charleson, has landed a Special Presentations slot at TIFF 2026, starring alongside Olivia Coleman.
Full details via link in bio 🔗︎
Who loves truly scary horror?
Ahead of its release, Irish director Damian McCarthy (hows_themovie_goin) talks the art of scaring the bejesus out of his audiences.
New interview via 🔗︎ in bio.
