The Viking ship replica Glad av Gillberga, featured in the Hollywood blockbuster The Odyssey, was returned damaged by Universal Pictures, and the studio has allegedly failed to pay the $6,000 repair invoice. The nonprofit Vikingaleden, which operates a Viking village and museum in Värmland, Sweden, says it feels forgotten after waiting over a year for reimbursement.
The Viking Ship and the Film
The Glad av Gillberga is a replica of a warship from around 1040, discovered in Denmark's Roskilde fjord. It has sailed the North Sea, the Baltic, and even reached Canada over its 30-year history. In The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, the ship was used in key sequences. The film cost an estimated $250 million to produce and earned $264 million in its opening weekend alone.
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Damages and Unpaid Bill
After six months in Universal's care, the ship sustained considerable damage, including to the stern and mast. The association repaired it using volunteer labor and invoiced Universal only for material costs—$6,000. According to Peter Olausson, chair of Vikingaleden, “The agreement was that we would fix it and get financially reimbursed.” No payment has been received.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Film production budget | $250 million |
| Opening weekend box office | $264 million |
| Unpaid repair bill (materials only) | $6,000 |
Why the Bill Remains Unpaid
Olausson believes Universal’s failure to pay stems from bureaucratic oversight rather than malice. Yet for the 200-member nonprofit, $6,000 is a significant sum. “We are only charging for the material cost, not the labour,” he stressed.
- Damage incurred: stern and mast required repairs after filming.
- Invoice issued: $6,000 for materials only; volunteer labor was donated.
- Time elapsed: over one year since the invoice was sent to Universal.
- Nonprofit impact: the sum is critical for the Viking village and museum operations.
FAQ
What ship was used in The Odyssey?
The Glad av Gillberga, a replica of an 11th-century Viking warship, was used in the film.
What damage did the ship sustain?
The vessel suffered damage to its stern and mast during filming.
How much does Universal owe?
Universal owes $6,000 for repair materials, not including volunteer labor.
Why hasn't Universal paid yet?
The studio has not responded to the invoice; the nonprofit feels forgotten despite the film's massive box office success.
The incident highlights how even major studios can overlook small commitments. For the dedicated volunteers at Vikingaleden, the unpaid bill is a matter of principle as much as finance. As the ship returns to active service, they hope Universal will honor its promise.
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