A new film documenting one of Roy Keane's most infamous moments is out in 2025
When it comes to football, Roy Keane is a blockbuster and now one of the former Manchester United captain's most infamous incidents is coming to the big screen, with Oscar-nominated Steve Coogan set to star.
'Saipan' focuses on the events that precipitated the controversial 'Saipan Incident', which saw Keane sensationally leave the Republic of Ireland camp on the eve of the 2002 World Cup, a development which sent shockwaves through the Irish football-loving public. It is not the first film to centre on Keane, with Dave Tynan's 2014 short film '' capturing a snapshot of the young midfielder, but it is set to be the biggest.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know, including cast, directors and more.
GettyWhen is the release date for 'Saipan'?
'Saipan' will be released in British cinemas on January 23, 2026.
It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and it is expected to be released worldwide in mid October 2025. The Irish premiere is scheduled for November 6, 2025 in Keane's hometown of Cork.
It was was initially scheduled for a major theatrical release in thesummer of 2025, with production beginning in the summer of 2024 and filming wrapping in autumn 2024.
Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have acquired UK and Ireland rights for the film, while Bankside Films have boarded the film for worldwide sales.
The film was shot in Ireland and Saipan.
AdvertisementWatch the 'Saipan' trailer
A trailer was released for the film on June 23, 2025. The teaser gives a glimpse of the tension between Keane and McCarthy, which came to a flashpoint ahead of the 2002 World Cup in the small Pacific island, as well as the chorus of commentary from within and without the camp.
A longer trailer was released in mid October 2025. You can watch it below.
GettyWho is in 'Saipan'? Cast & list of actors
Steve CooganMick McCarthyEanna HardwickeRoy KeaneJack HickeyNiall QuinnHarriet CairnsTheresa KeaneOliver CoopersmithJason McAteerMicheal WoodsJournalistChris McCurryJournalistUna CarrollAir hostessPeter McDonaldMick ByrneJamie BeamishDickie MoloneyAoife HindsKarenNiall McNameeAlan KellyJack McKeeDamien DuffRyan GuyGary BreenShea HarmonKenny CunninghamMatthew CassidyDean KielyMiles PalomaSteven Reid
Steve Coogan will play Mick McCarthy, who was manager of the Ireland team, in 'Saipan'. The Oscar-nominated actor, renowned for his roles in , and will feature as English-born Irish coach McCarthy opposite Eanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane.
Hardwicke, who, like Keane, hails from Cork, is a BAFTA-nominated actor for his role as Ben Field in and has featured in TV shows such as and , as well as earning plaudits for the lead role in the film .
Niall Quinn, one of the senior players in the Ireland squad at the time who would go on to employ Keane as Sunderland manager, will be played by Jack Hickey (, ).
Harriet Cains, known for roles in and , will play the role of Keane's wife Theresa Keane. and actor Peter McDonald, who played Irish football legend Johnny Giles in the 2009 film , will play popular kitman Mick Byrne.
YouTube/@VertigoReleasing / GOAL compositeWho the director of 'Saipan'?
Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn are the directors of 'Saipan'.
The pair, who have worked together on (2019), starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, as well as the 2013 comedy-drama , will work with a script from Paul Fraser ()
The directors told : "We’re thrilled to be working with this extraordinary cast and creative team to tell the story of an infamous moment in Irish and football history that drew battle lines across a nation, cast its hopes, dreams and sense of identity into disarray, and briefly made a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific one of the most famous places on earth."
