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Thursday, 23 July 2026

‘The Odyssey’ Hired a Viking Ship Replica. Owners Say It Came Back Damaged.

A Swedish nonprofit seeking $6,000 in repairs from Universal after the vessel was used in the film.

Talivio News · Global 1 min read
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A replica Viking ship with shields moored beside rustic wooden boats on a lush riverbank. ALENA MARUK

A Viking longship replica used in the filming of Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey’ was returned to its owners with damage, according to a Swedish nonprofit that owns the vessel. The organization is now seeking compensation from Universal Pictures.

The ship, named Glad av Gillberga, is a replica of a Viking longship based on a wreck discovered in Denmark's Roskilde fjord dating to around 1040. It sailed the North Sea, the Baltic, and even to Canada before being hired for the film.

The vessel was used in the production of ‘The Odyssey,’ which earned $264 million in its opening weekend. The nonprofit said the ship sustained damage during filming and required $6,000 in repairs, though it is not specified which scenes caused the damage.

The nonprofit is now seeking compensation from Universal for the repair costs.

Marit Vandeveld

General Assignment Reporter · Talivio News

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Sources

  1. The New York Times — ‘The Odyssey’ Hired Their Viking Ship. They Say It Came Back Damaged. (opens in a new window)
  2. The Guardian — Owner of Viking ship used in The Odyssey says studio has not paid bill for damage (opens in a new window)
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