Viking Ship Owner Accuses Studio of Unpaid Damage Costs

WHO:

TMZ - The company that rented out the Viking ship is Vikingaleden, a nonprofit Viking centre in Värmland, western Sweden.

The Guardian - Peter Olausson is the chair of the Vikingaleden association.

The Guardian - The film features actors Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya.

WHAT:

TMZ - The Viking ship, a replica used in "The Odyssey," was allegedly damaged during filming.

The Guardian - Vikingaleden claims Universal has not paid for $6,000 in repair costs for the damaged ship.

The Guardian - The film "The Odyssey" reportedly cost $250 million to make and earned $264 million in its opening weekend.

The Guardian - The ship Glad av Gillberga sustained considerable damage, including to the stern and the mast.

WHERE:

The Guardian - The Viking ship is based in Värmland, western Sweden.

The Guardian - The ship has sailed the North Sea, the Baltic, and even voyaged to Canada.

WHEN:

The Guardian - The ship was in the hands of Universal for six months.

The Guardian - The Vikingaleden association is still waiting for the payment a year after the filming.

WHY:

The Guardian - Vikingaleden claims Universal promised to cover the cost of any repairs to the ship.

HOW:

The Guardian - Vikingaleden invoiced Universal for the materials used to repair the ship but did not charge for volunteer labor.

The Guardian - The ship was rebuilt into an ancient Greek ship for filming, with modern elements removed for authenticity.

(UPDATED July 23, 2026 19:29 UTC)

The Viking ship, a replica used in the film "The Odyssey," was reportedly damaged during filming, and the nonprofit Vikingaleden in Värmland, Sweden, claims that Universal has yet to pay for $6,000 in repair costs. The ship, known as Glad av Gillberga, sustained significant damage to its stern and mast, and Vikingaleden is still awaiting payment a year after the filming concluded. The film, which features stars like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, had a production budget of $250 million and earned $264 million during its opening weekend.