Vaughn has starred in The Cell and The Lost World

Vaughn, screenwriter Scott Rosenberg and a local man were charged with misdemeanour assault but were released after posting bail. Another local man, Timothy Fogerty, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Police said the fight broke out at the Firebelly Lounge, Wilmington, North Carolina, in the early hours of Thursday after witnesses heard Fogerty, 21, make comments about wanting "to slice someone".

"From what witnesses say, he provoked [the fight] at the club," officer Crystal Williamson told entertainment website E! Online.

"And as they left, he provoked it again," the officer added.

Another witness was reported as saying the fight started when Vaughn began talking to a man's girlfriend.

Recovery

The stars were in Wilmington to shoot their new film, Domestic Disturbance.

Buscemi was reported to have flown to New York to recover. Sources said Buscemi's injuries were minor and he is expected back on the set on Monday.

The film also stars John Travolta, and is about a divorced father who discovers that his son's new stepfather is not what he made himself out to be.

Buscemi has starred in films including Con Air, The Big Lebowski, Armageddon and Fargo. Vaughn is known for roles in The Cell, Swingers, a remake of Psycho and Jurassic Park: The Lost World.

Rosenberg's screenwriting credits include Gone in 60 Seconds and was nominated for a best screenplay (adapted) Bafta award for High Fidelity at this year's ceremony.