According to the non-profit Vikingaleden Association, the Viking warship replica Glad av Gillberga used in director Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey was returned damaged by Universal, launching a dispute over unpaid repair costs. The Swedish owners stated that the vessel sustained serious damage to its stern and mast during roughly six months of use by the studio.
Vikingaleden Association Claims Universal Unpaid Repair Costs
The Vikingaleden Association, operating in Sweden’s Värmland region, stated that Universal made commitments to cover repair expenses incurred during production but failed to honor them. According to association officials, volunteers repaired the vessel without charging for labor, sending an invoice of approximately 6 thousand dollars solely for the materials used. The association reported receiving no response to the invoice. Vikingaleden Chairman Peter Olausson stated that nearly a year has passed without receiving the funds, noting that while he is proud of the ship’s appearance in a Hollywood production, the events have overshadowed that excitement.
Olausson emphasized that while the amount is minor for Universal, it represents a significant sum for their 200-member organization. “We feel forgotten,” Olausson said regarding the unresolved situation.
Universal Denies Allegations Over Glad av Gillberga Invoices
Universal countered the claims of non-payment made by the Vikingaleden Association. A studio spokesperson stated that, according to company records, all invoices for Glad av Gillberga—including repair costs—were paid in full. Universal added that studio and production teams contacted the association to resolve any potential misunderstandings.
Did you know? Glad av Gillberga was built based on a ship wreck from the 1040s discovered in Denmark’s Roskilde Fjord and has spent nearly 30 years navigating the North Sea and Baltic Sea, even reaching Canada.
Production Scale and Film Performance
The dispute surrounds a replica with a long maritime history that intersected with a major box office success. Nolan’s film The Odyssey grossed 264 million dollars in its opening week alone, utilizing the 30-year-old vessel during its production schedule before returning it to its Swedish caretakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glad av Gillberga?
Glad av Gillberga is a Viking warship replica built from a ship wreck from the 1040s in Roskilde Fjord, used for roughly 30 years across northern European waters and featured in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Who owns the Viking warship replica?
The vessel is owned by the non-profit Vikingaleden Association based in Sweden’s Värmland region, which has approximately 200 members.
What are the claims regarding the ship’s repair costs?
According to the Vikingaleden Association, Universal returned the boat with serious damage to the stern and mast and failed to pay an approximately 6 thousand-dollar material invoice. Universal maintains that all repair invoices were paid in full according to company records.
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