The owners of Glad av Gillberga, a Viking longship replica, have expressed frustration over an unpaid invoice from Universal for damage sustained while the vessel was used in the production of The Odyssey. The ship, which is based on a wreck dating to approximately 1040 discovered in Denmark’s Roskilde fjord, has completed nearly three decades of ocean voyages including crossings of the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and transatlantic journeys to Canada.
According to Vikingaleden, a nonprofit Viking cultural center in Värmland, western Sweden, the vessel spent six months under Universal’s care during filming. The organization states that Universal agreed to cover all repair expenses, but the ship allegedly sustained significant damage including harm to the stern and mast. When Vikingaleden submitted an invoice for material costs—the organization did not charge for volunteer labor—no payment was received.
Peter Olausson, chair of the Vikingaleden association, stated that while he felt honored by the ship’s inclusion in the film, disappointment followed the studio’s alleged failure to fulfill its financial obligation. He noted that the $6,000 amount represents material costs only and characterized it as financially meaningful for the 200-member nonprofit organization, despite being a relatively modest sum for a major studio.
A Universal spokesperson responded by stating that company records indicate all invoices related to Glad av Gillberga, including repair costs, were paid in full. The studio said it had contacted the association to resolve the matter. The Odyssey, which starred Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya and was directed by Christopher Nolan, generated $264 million during its opening weekend and cost $250 million to produce.
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