AssetID: 55395997
Headline: 'Saipan' Press Junket
Caption: Interview with Éanna Hardwicke discussing his role in the film Saipan, a powerful character-driven drama centred on the events surrounding Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign. In the interview, Hardwicke reflects on portraying Roy Keane, his personal connection to Cork, and why the film is far more about human relationships, pressure, and identity than football itself. He talks about his admiration for Keane, approaching a real-life figure without impersonation, and finding the emotional truth behind one of Irish sport’s most debated moments. Hardwicke also discusses working alongside Steve Coogan, the influence Coogan has had on him as an actor, and the shared responsibility of portraying real people with authenticity rather than caricature. The conversation explores the filmmakers’ unexpected vision, the strength of Paul’s script, and how Saipan examines Irish identity, ambition, and self-belief on a global stage. A thoughtful insight into performance, collaboration, and storytelling beyond the sport.
Keywords: Éanna Hardwicke,Eanna Hardwicke,Saipan,Saipan film,Roy Keane,Roy Keane film,Steve Coogan,Irish cinema,Irish film,football film,World Cup 2002,Ireland football,Cork,biopic drama,sports drama,character study,actor interview,film interview,cast interview,behind the scenes,filmmaking,real life characters,Irish identity,human drama,relationship driven film,Glen Leyburn,Lisa Barros D’Sa,Paul Laverty,football culture,press interview,movie press,junket interview,entertainment video
PersonInImage: Eanna Hardwicke