Saipan (2025) — Steve Coogan & Éanna Hardwicke Star in the Football Drama That Shook a Nation | Cast, Plot, Release Date & Where to Watch

Saipan (2025) – The Clash That Shook a Nation ⚽

Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa & Glenn Leyburn, starring Steve Coogan & Éanna Hardwicke

⚡ Introduction: When Football Became War

It wasn’t just a disagreement — it was a moment that split a nation in two. Coming to cinemas across Ireland on January 1, 2026, Saipan dives deep into the infamous fallout between Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane (Éanna Hardwicke) and his manager Mick McCarthy (Steve Coogan) — a clash that rocked Irish football on the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

This is not just a sports drama; it’s a battle of pride, passion, and principle — where two titans of the same cause destroy each other in pursuit of perfection. As Roy Keane says in one of the film’s most striking lines:

“If you settle for less, you deserve less.”

🇮🇪 The Story Behind the Storm

Set against the lush Pacific backdrop of Saipan Island, the film reconstructs the shocking real-life confrontation that sent shockwaves through Ireland’s football community.

Keane, the iron-willed captain of Manchester United, demanded excellence. McCarthy, the steady tactician and former captain himself, demanded unity. Their collision of egos and ideals led to Keane walking out — or being dismissed — just before the World Cup began.

What follows in Saipan is a tense, character-driven story exploring loyalty, ambition, and identity. It’s not just about who was right or wrong — it’s about what it means to lead, to follow, and to stand your ground.

🧊 The Making of ‘Saipan’

From the creative minds of Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Good Vibrations, Ordinary Love), the film takes a restrained yet riveting approach to dramatizing one of Ireland’s most controversial sporting sagas. The script delves into private moments behind the headlines — late-night arguments, phone calls to loved ones, and the quiet devastation of a nation watching its heroes unravel.

🎥 Cast Highlights:

• Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy — commanding, complex, and torn between authority and empathy.

• Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane — fierce, uncompromising, and heartbreakingly human.

• Harriet Cains as Theresa Keane

• Alice Lowe, Jamie Beamish, Alex Murphy, and Jack Hickey in supporting roles that bring the emotional undercurrents of the Irish team to life.

🏆 Why ‘Saipan’ Matters

For Ireland, the 2002 incident wasn’t just about football — it was a national reckoning.Pub debates raged, newspapers exploded, and politicians weighed in. Were Keane’s demands justified? Or did McCarthy’s leadership keep chaos at bay?

Saipan doesn’t choose sides — it lays bare the humanity on both ends. As McCarthy’s character says in one gripping scene:

“I don’t need perfection. I need belief.”

It’s a line that echoes far beyond the pitch — into boardrooms, families, and the heart of anyone who’s ever fought for something bigger than themselves.

🌍 Release & Streaming Details

• Title: Saipan

• Genre: Sports Drama / Historical / Biographical

• Directed by: Lisa Barros D’Sa & Glenn Leyburn

• Starring: Steve Coogan, Éanna Hardwicke, Alice Lowe, Harriet Cains, Jamie Beamish, Alex Murphy

• Runtime: 91 minutes

• Release Date: January 1, 2026

• Country: Ireland, United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Distribution: Theatrical release (Ireland); streaming details to follow after its limited cinema run

❄️ A Story of Fire, Ice, and Irish Pride

Like Rush met The Damned United, Saipan captures the explosive chemistry of two visionaries who couldn’t coexist — but couldn’t have existed without each other. It’s a rare film that turns sports history into emotional history.

From the roar of the locker room to the silence of regret, Saipan is a cinematic anthem for those who dare to stand their ground — even if it costs them everything.

💬 FAQs About Saipan (2025)

Q1: What is the movie Saipan based on?

A: It’s based on the real-life feud between Irish football captain Roy Keane and team manager Mick McCarthy during preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Q2: Who plays Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy in the movie?

A: Éanna Hardwicke plays Roy Keane, while Steve Coogan portrays Mick McCarthy.

Q3: When will Saipan be released?

A: The film is set to release in cinemas across Ireland on January 1, 2026.

Q4: Is Saipan only for football fans?

A: Not at all! While football frames the story, it’s ultimately about leadership, pride, and identity — making it a gripping drama for everyone.

Q5: Will Saipan be available to stream internationally?

A: While no platform has been confirmed yet, it’s

expected to arrive on digital and international streaming services after its Irish theatrical run.

⚽ Final Whistle: A Clash Beyond the Game

Saipan isn’t just about Ireland’s World Cup meltdown — it’s about what happens when integrity meets authority head-on.It’s a film about two men, one island, and one unforgettable moment in time that changed Irish football forever.

“Sometimes,” says Keane in the film’s closing moment,“you have to lose the game to win your soul.”