The volunteer group behind a Swedish Viking ship replica featured in the Hollywood blockbuster The Odyssey says it feels abandoned after filmmakers allegedly returned the vessel damaged and failed to cover the cost of repairs.
The warship Glad av Gillberga, modeled after a 1,000-year-old Danish shipwreck, spent six months on set as an escort vessel in Christopher Nolan's epic film starring Matt Damon. However, when the ship was returned to western Sweden, its owners discovered noticeable damage to its stern, mast, and woodwork.
Vikingaleden, the non-profit association of 200 members that operates the vessel, repaired the ship themselves. They did not charge for their volunteer labor and sent Universal Pictures an invoice of just $6,000 for the raw repair materials. A year later, while the $250 million blockbuster earned $264 million globally in its opening weekend alone, the Swedish association says it is still waiting to be paid.
Peter Olausson, chair of Vikingaleden, said that while he was proud to see their ship on the big screen, the experience has been tinged with injustice. For a massive movie studio, $6,000 is a minor expense, but for a small cultural organization, it represents a significant sum.
Filming around Greek and Italian islands was physically demanding for the crew. To fit the ancient Greek setting, modern equipment and tents were removed, leaving the crew of 30 living on an open deck for months.
In response, a spokesperson for Universal Pictures stated that studio records show all invoices related to the Glad av Gillberga, including repair fees, were paid in full. The studio added that it has contacted the Swedish association to clear up any potential misunderstanding.