Universal, Viking ship owners dispute 6,000 repair bill

The nonprofit owners of a Viking longship replica featured in Christopher Nolan's epic film "The Odyssey" allege that Universal Pictures has failed to pay for repairs to the vessel after it was returned damaged following six months of filming. Universal Pictures, however, states that its records show all invoices have been paid in full.

The ship, named Glad av Gillberga, is owned by the Vikingaleden association, which operates a Viking heritage center in Värmland, western Sweden. It was hired in late 2024 by a Universal subsidiary, "Charlie's Tale," to serve as an escort vessel in the film's ancient fleet. According to the association's chair, Peter Olausson, the contract stipulated that the production would return the ship in good condition and cover the cost of any damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.

When the 17.5-meter replica returned from filming in the Mediterranean, it reportedly had a crack in its hull, damaged mast fittings, patches of damaged paint, and parts of its support frame needing replacement. Volunteers from the association carried out repairs, and Olausson sent Universal an invoice in December 2025 for approximately 6,000 euros to cover material costs,...