For his upcoming film adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, director Christopher Nolan opted for authenticity by casting the Draken Harald Hårfagre, a fully operational Viking longship, to serve as the primary sea vessel for the protagonist, Odysseus. The 115-foot-long wooden ship, commissioned by Norwegian entrepreneur Sigurd Aase, features 50 oars and square sails, mirroring the aesthetic of the ancient Greek boats described in the eighth-century B.C.E. epic.

Nolan sought a vessel capable of navigating open ocean conditions to avoid relying on digital effects. The Draken, which famously completed a transatlantic voyage from Norway to North America in 2016, provided the necessary durability and historical feel. “We needed something wooden-hulled, built with ancient technology that could be out there in open ocean water, in giant swells,” Nolan explained to the Los Angeles Times.

The production required the film's cast, including Matt Damon, who portrays Odysseus, to undergo specialized training. Damon noted that the actors attended a rowing camp to learn how to operate the 100-ton vessel, moving beyond traditional acting to perform the physical labor required to navigate the ship. Zendaya, who plays Athena, remarked on the immersion provided by the practical set, noting that filming on the water removed the need for pretense.

Emanuel Persson, the ship's CEO and expedition director, emphasized that the Draken was treated as a living machine rather than a mere prop. By teaching the production team how to manage the rigging, sails, and oars, the crew ensured the ship’s unique character was captured on screen. “When you put a real ship in real conditions, it brings a different kind of truth to the image,” Persson told Artnet.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine