Robert Downey Jr Punch Gone Wrong On Sherlock Holmes Set

It's been a couple of weeks since we've heard anything on the progress of “Sherlock Holmes,” re-imagining of the world's greatest detective. The Sun is reporting that the Guy Ritchie-directed movie has had a few problems on set, two of which almost caused Robert Downey Jr to be seriously hurt. While filming of a fight scene, Downey was knocked unconscious by a 7-foot, 330lbs co-star Robert Maillet (wrestler Kurgan-WWE). Downey was “out cold” for six seconds and “drooling blood” before medics could bring him round. Source added:

“He didn't want to go to hospital and kept trying to get up. He's a trooper. But there have been lots of other problems too,”

However Downey Jr.'s condition wasn't the only issue director Ritchie has had to contend with – the movie has reportedly been plagued by various other setbacks. One incident on Friday left the cast and crew running for safety after a petrol tanker burst into flames during a delivery to the set, closing down production for two hours, according to Britain's The Sun newspaper. Aimed for a November 20, 2009 U.S. release, ” Sherlock Holmes” reportedly is based on Lionel Wigram's upcoming comic book and centers on the adventures of the famed 19th Century detective. Apart from Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, this action thriller film will also see Rachel McAdams as she takes on the role of Irene Adler, Holmes' love interest.