Viking Ship Owners Claim Universal Owes $6K

A Viking heritage association in western Sweden, Vikingaleden, is in a payment dispute with Universal Pictures over damages to their replica Viking ship, the 'Glad av Gillberga.' The association claims the studio owes approximately $6,000 for repairs sustained during six months of filming for the recent adaptation of 'The Odyssey.' Vikingaleden states the agreement included reimbursement for material costs for repairs to the 17.5m-long vessel.

Universal Pictures has rejected these claims, asserting that all invoices, including those for repairs, have been paid in full. A spokesperson for the studio indicated that communication is underway to resolve any misunderstandings. The 'Glad av Gillberga,' a replica of an 11th-century Viking ship, reportedly suffered paint damage, mast fitting issues, hull cracks, and frame damage after its filming stint in the Mediterranean.

The film 'The Odyssey,' released on July 17, 2024, achieved a successful opening weekend, grossing $264.1 million worldwide. The dispute has cast a shadow over the association's enjoyment of the film, despite recognizing their ship on screen. The repairs to the 'Glad av Gillberga' delayed its return to service by two months, leading to lost booking income.