Adam Sandler was ‘choked’ by co-stars and nearly died on Uncut Gems set

Actor and comedian Adam Sandler was almost killed while filming a scene in Uncut Gems – with the director admitting it was “scary”.

Adam Sandler was praised for his work in last year's Uncut Gems but the actor and comedian nearly lost his life while filming it.

In the crime drama, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a New York City Diamond District jeweller who has an addiction to gambling. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he and the film's directors Josh and Benny Safdie revealed that two actors who played bodyguards and repeatedly beat up Sandler's character were once too rough when "manhandling" the A-lister as cameras were rolling.

Adam Sandler in a scene from Uncut Gems.

"Sandler's so in it, he's so into the character that it started to actually get a little scary one or two times, because he's getting choked at one point in the scene and there were all these cues," Josh Safdie told the outlet.

The co-director continued: "There was one take when Sandler was getting choked and he was trying to tap out, but the actor thought he was just being Howard so he choked harder, and Adam couldn't breathe."

The Safdies said it was Keith William Richards and Tommy Kominik who played the roles of character Arno's (Eric Bogosian) bodyguards. They explained the men had never filmed a movie before but were "very professional."

Sandler confirmed he went home from set with several bruises considering his character was often rough-housed by Arno's crew in the film. Despite that, he had nothing but positive things to say about working with the Uncut Gems directors.

"I love these guys, I love 'em. I mean, they're incredible filmmakers," Sandler said. "I love having these new friends, we talk all the time, and I think they're just great, great people."

The actor added that he would "die to work with them again."

The actor plays a diamond jeweller in the film. Picture: A24 via AP

Uncut Gems was a deviation from the comedic flicks Sandler is used to starring in. He received praise for the role and critics argued he was snubbed when he did not receive an Oscars nod for his portrayal.

Last December, Sandler's co-star Julia Fox, who played his girlfriend in the movie, spoke to Entertainment Tonight about working with the actor and revealed the one change he made to the movie before filming was underway.

"My character's name was originally supposed to be Sadie," Fox said. "But that's his daughter's name, so he actually had it switched for that to make it easier on the girls."

Sandler and his wife, Jackie Sandler, have two daughters – Sadie, 14 and Sunny, 11. The actor previously credited his wife for encouraging him to accept the role.

This article originally appeared in Fox News and was reproduced with permission.