Roy Keane vs Mick McCarthy: A Comedy Prison Drop
Picture this: a steam room, two titans of Irish football, and the lingering scent of awkwardness. Introducing the upcoming comedic drama Saipan, which explores the infamous feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, as they prepare for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The film, starring Éanna Hardwicke as the fiery Keane and Steve Coogan as the stoic McCarthy, has been teased with first-look images that promise more drama than a Saturday night pub argument.
A Rivalry for the Ages
Now, I’m not saying this is going to be the cinematic equivalent of Game of Thrones, but when you have a feud that riveted an entire nation, you’re bound to get some high-stakes drama. Remember when Keane was sent home from the World Cup training camp in Saipan? It was akin to a bad breakup chronicled live on television. We all had popcorn, and while most of us were just trying to figure out how a place called “Saipan” even qualifies as a training ground, they were getting ready to blow the lid off the sports world.
The producers of Saipan have described it as “a true-life comedy of the most epic proportions.” And honestly, if that’s not an invitation to grab a pint and laugh until you snort, I don’t know what is! You know it’s serious when they call it “the definitive account of one of the most fractious falling-outs in the history of sport.” If only they knew about my last family reunion!
Two Legends, One Steam Room
The film’s stills reveal the two legends sitting together in what seems to be a steam room. Because nothing says “let’s sort out our issues” quite like the close quarters of humidity and awkward glances. It’s as if they’ve been locked in a comedy dungeon where the only way out is to laugh—or perhaps just sweat it out while wrestling with their egos.
Add to this mix Coogan and Hardwicke, both skilled in their craft of delivering a punchline or a serious monologue. I mean, isn’t that what sport is all about? A good mix of absurdity and urgency? Just ask any football fan who has grappled with the highs and lows of their team’s decisions over a pint.
What to Expect: A Comedy Goldmine
The film is helmed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling. As for the writers, Paul Fraser’s original script promises loads of wit and perhaps a few hard-hitting truths that will leave us all pondering how we treat our heroes—or our managers, for that matter.
Set for release next year, and produced by the talented team at Wildcard Pictures, it seems like they’re pulling out all the stops. Now, if only they could convince Keane to do a cameo— I’d pay to see that. Imagine it! Keane storming in, telling everyone they’re just a bunch of overpaid clowns. Hilarious! But let’s be honest, with this powerhouse cast, the punchlines might just land harder than that free kick against the English.
So, gear up, folks! Whether you’re a fan of football, comedy, or just enjoy watching people squirm in a high-pressure environment—and let’s face it, who doesn’t?—this is shaping up to be a must-watch. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the steam, the tension, or the laughs as Saipan pulls back the curtain on one of sport’s most noted rivalries.
A first-look photo has been unveiled featuring Éanna Hardwicke portraying the iconic footballer Roy Keane, alongside Steve Coogan, who takes on the role of Mick McCarthy in the much-anticipated film, *Saipan*.
This compelling Irish cinematic endeavor will delve into the tumultuous events leading up to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, focusing on the volatile feud that erupted between Ireland’s then-captain and manager. This clash of egos ultimately culminated in Keane’s controversial expulsion from the squad while they were gearing up in Saipan.
The infamous rivalry between Keane and McCarthy captured extensive media coverage, polarizing public opinion across the country and sparking debates within the global sports community. Producers of *Saipan* have described the film as “a true-life comedy of the most epic proportions,” emphasizing its significance as “the definitive account of one of the most fractious falling-outs in the history of sport.”
Crafted from an original script by Paul Fraser, known for *Heartlands*, the project is helmed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, with the film scheduled to hit theaters in the coming year.
The still image, shared by Wildcard and Bankside Films, captures the two football icons seated together in what resembles a steam room, with Cork native Hardwicke donning the iconic white jersey from Ireland’s 2002 World Cup kit.
The film is produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures (known for titles like *Evil Dead Rise*, *Cocaine Bear*, and *Black 47*), along with Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler from Fine Point Films, who have worked on acclaimed projects such as *Kneecap* and *No Stone Unturned*. Executive Producers Patrick O’Neill and Rachael O’Kane play pivotal roles in ensuring the film’s development.
What to Expect: A Comedy Goldmine
The film is helmed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling. As for the writers, Paul Fraser’s original script promises loads of wit and perhaps a few hard-hitting truths that will leave us all pondering how we treat our heroes—or our managers, for that matter.
Set for release next year, and produced by the talented team at Wildcard Pictures, it seems like they’re pulling out all the stops. Now, if only they could convince Keane to do a cameo— I’d pay to see that. Imagine it! Keane storming in, telling everyone they’re just a bunch of overpaid clowns. Hilarious! But let’s be honest, with this powerhouse cast, the punchlines might just land harder than that free kick against the English.
So, gear up, folks! Whether you’re a fan of football, comedy, or just enjoy watching people squirm in a high-pressure environment—and let’s face it, who doesn’t?—this is shaping up to be a must-watch. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the steam, the tension, or the laughs as Saipan pulls back the curtain on one of sport’s most noted rivalries.
A first-look photo has been unveiled featuring Éanna Hardwicke portraying the iconic footballer Roy Keane, alongside Steve Coogan, who takes on the role of Mick McCarthy in the much-anticipated film, *Saipan*.
This compelling Irish cinematic endeavor will delve into the tumultuous events leading up to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, focusing on the volatile feud that erupted between Ireland’s then-captain and manager. This clash of egos ultimately culminated in Keane’s controversial expulsion from the squad while they were gearing up in Saipan.
The infamous rivalry between Keane and McCarthy captured extensive media coverage, polarizing public opinion across the country and sparking debates within the global sports community. Producers of *Saipan* have described the film as “a true-life comedy of the most epic proportions,” emphasizing its significance as “the definitive account of one of the most fractious falling-outs in the history of sport.”
Crafted from an original script by Paul Fraser, known for *Heartlands*, the project is helmed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, with the film scheduled to hit theaters in the coming year.
The still image, shared by Wildcard and Bankside Films, captures the two football icons seated together in what resembles a steam room, with Cork native Hardwicke donning the iconic white jersey from Ireland’s 2002 World Cup kit.
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