A replica Viking ship featured in Christopher Nolan’s epic movie The Odyssey is at the centre of a payment row after the boat’s owner alleged that the film studio Universal failed to pay for damage to the vessel. Universal maintains that they have paid all bills in full, however.
According to The New York Times, a movie company contacted the non-profit Värmlands Vikingacenter in western Sweden in late 2024 to request hiring a replica Viking ship for a project called Charlie’s Tale. The centre subsequently loaned the ship, called Glad av Gillberga, which was used as one of the escort vessels in the flotilla seen in the film. The Odyssey opened in theatres on 17 July and grossed more than $264m in its opening weekend globally.
The New York Times reports that in the contract, the Charlie’s Tale team promised to return the vessel “in good condition” and “replace or repair any injury” to it aside from “reasonable wear and tear”.
When the boat returned from filming, it was allegedly damaged, with a crack in its hull. Parts of the rigging also needed replacing and the ship needed to be repainted. According to The Guardian, Vikingaleden, the non-profit organisation that runs the center, says that when it invoiced Universal for $6,000 for the materials used to repair their vessel, it did not receive payment (the centre did not charge for labour). According to The Independent, the rental fee for the ship was around $41,000.
Glad av Gillberga on a voyage to Newfoundland, Canada in 2000
Photo: Gunnar Bäckström; Courtesy Peter Olausson
Glad av Gillberga was built using traditional methods in 1998, and is normally used on the water for visiting school groups and tourists. This summer, however, the centre has not been able to sail it due to the damage, according to The New York Times report.
Both parties are disputing issues around the payment. Peter Olausson, chair of the Värmlands Vikingacenter, told The Art Newspaper on Friday morning: “We are in dialogue today (24 July) and I am hopeful that this issue will be solved. They have paid us the rental money in full but not resolved the repair invoice.”
A Universal spokesperson, however, told The New York Times on Thursday (23 July): “Our records show that all invoices relating to the Glad av Gillberga were paid in full, including repairs. The studio and the production have contacted the association to clear up any misunderstanding.” Universal was contacted for further comment.