Sylvester Stallone has broken his neck during filming The Expendables

Sylvester Stallone required an operation for a hairline fracture and had had a metal plate inserted in his neck, as a result of filming a fight scene with wrestling star Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The film boasts some of the acting world’s biggest tough guys, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke and British actor Jason Statham.

The 63-year-old told FHM magazine that it became “so vicious” that it got out of hand.

“Man, it was seven guys, kicking each other’s ass, one guy tougher than the next,” he said.

“No joke, our stunt guys were begging for mercy.”

“Actually, my fight with Stone Cold Steve Austin was so vicious that I ended up getting a hairline fracture in my neck.

“I’m not joking. I haven’t told anyone this, but I had to have a very serious operation afterwards. I now have a metal plate in my neck.”

The film, in which Stallone was also a writer and director, centres around a team of mercenaries who embark on a mission to overthrow a dictator.

It also features actress Brittany Murphy, who died last month after collapsing at home.

Actress Brittany Murphy Dead After Cardiac Arrest

Actress Brittany Murphy is dead after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier this morning. Despite attempts by paramedics to revive her, she was pronounced dead on arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

According to the Los Angeles City Fire Department, a 911 call was made at 8:00 AM from a home in Los Angeles that is listed as belonging to her husband, Simon Monjack

Sources have stated that Brittany Murphy’s mother discovered her unconscious in the shower. After paramedics arrived at the scene they quickly determined Murphy was in full cardiac arrest and administered CPR. They continued CPR in route to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center several miles away. However, Murphy did not respond and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Brittany Murphy starred in such films as “Clueless,” “8 Mile,” and “Don’t Say a Word.”

An investigation is due to be launched by the LA County Coroner’s office after they pick up her body later today.