Star-studded Irish cast confirmed for adaption of cult classic TV show

A star-studded Irish cast is teaming up for a new feature length comedy based on the cult classic Irish TV series Fran.

Big names such as Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman and Deirdre O’Kane are set to star in the feature-length film alongside Risteard Cooper and Toni O’Rourke, with the star of the original series Darragh Humphreys reprising his role as Fran. 

Airing on Setanta Sports from 2009 to 2011, the original Fran series was shot in a mockumentary style and followed the ups and downs of Leinster Senior League team St Peter’s FC managed by Fran Costello.

The new film, written by Richie Conroy and directed by Stephen Bradley, sees Fran working undercover to save the beautiful game from match-fixing.

The synopsis reads: “When non-league St Peter's Celtic are drawn to play titans Shamrock Rovers in the first round of the FAI Cup, assistant manager Fran Costello hopes his team will pull off one of the greatest shocks in football history. But it isn't long before the sh*t really hits the Fran…”

The film is being produced by Collie McCarthy’s Forty Foot Pictures with support from Screen Ireland and RTE. Executive producers are Paul Grindey and Charles Moore for Viewfinder Film, Greg Martin for Screen Ireland, Richie Conroy, Jakub Brecka and Gregory Pepin.

“I’m very happy to be shooting Fran The Man with Richie Conroy’s very funny and clever script, under the banner of Collie McCarthy’s Forty Foot Pictures,” said Director Stephen Bradley of the upcoming film.

“We have assembled an inspiring cast and crew and their energy will be up on screen in the form of loads of laughs and a whole lot of heart."

The release date is unknown but filming has already begun in Dublin.