Key facts
- A Viking longship replica, Glad av Gillberga, used in 'The Odyssey' was allegedly returned to its owners damaged.
- The non-profit Vikingaleden association invoiced Universal Pictures for $6,000 to cover repair material costs.
- The studio has reportedly not paid the bill a year after it was issued.
- The owner states the agreement was for Universal to cover repair costs.
- The ship is now operational but the owners feel 'forgotten' by the studio.
The owners of a Viking longship replica, the Glad av Gillberga, used in the Hollywood film 'The Odyssey' claim that the studio, Universal Pictures, has failed to pay a $6,000 bill for damages sustained by the vessel. Vikingaleden, a non-profit Viking centre in Sweden that owns the ship, stated that the replica was returned with considerable damage to its stern and mast after six months of use by the studio.
According to Peter Olausson, chair of Vikingaleden, the agreement with Universal was that the studio would cover the cost of any repairs. Vikingaleden invoiced the studio for the materials used, not charging for their volunteer labor. A year later, the payment has not been received, leaving the association, which has 200 members, feeling "forgotten" and that the studio has gone back on its word.
The film, which stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, reportedly cost $250 million to make and has grossed $264 million in its opening weekend. The Glad av Gillberga was used as an escort vessel, with the main ship being the Norwegian replica Draken Harald Hårfagre. The captain of the Glad av Gillberga, Björn Ahlander, described the six months of filming around Greek and Italian islands as tough, noting that the ship was rebuilt to resemble an ancient Greek vessel.