“Behind-The-Scenes Yellowstone Fight: Kevin Costner Allegedly Clashed With Co-Star, Leaving Kelly Reilly In Tears”
A newly surfaced report sheds light on a heated behind-the-scenes altercation involving Kevin Costner that may have played a key role in the temporary shutdown of Yellowstone production. The popular Western drama has moved forward following Costner’s exit and the storyline death of his character, John Dutton. CBS is preparing a spinoff centered on Luke Grimes’ character, Kayce Dutton, while the saga of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) is set to continue.
While much of the previous coverage about Costner’s contentious departure focused on his disputes with series creator Taylor Sheridan—particularly regarding script revisions and scheduling conflicts tied to Costner’s personal commitment to directing his Horizon film series—new revelations have added another layer to the controversy.
A detailed feature on the two-time Academy Award winner describes a tense exchange between Costner and co-star Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton. According to the report, Costner allegedly urged Bentley to disregard Sheridan’s script and approach a scene differently. Bentley, standing firm, is said to have responded that he had signed on to be part of a “Taylor Sheridan show, not a Kevin Costner production.”
Sources present claim the exchange quickly escalated, with Costner allegedly lunging at Bentley. While no punches were thrown, the confrontation turned physical with the two shoving one another until crew members stepped in to separate them. The incident reportedly left Kelly Reilly in tears and caused a brief production halt.
Costner’s representatives declined to comment on the report. However, Bentley’s camp acknowledged the altercation, describing it as a “work-related disagreement during a particularly intense and emotional scene,” and confirmed that the matter was later resolved.
The fallout from that confrontation reportedly intensified the strain between Costner and Sheridan, marking a turning point in their already rocky working relationship. The article also contextualizes the clash within the broader arc of Costner’s career—highlighting the commercial failure of Horizon, which Costner co-financed. The film reportedly cost at least $50 million to make but earned only $38.8 million worldwide, and it remains entangled in ongoing legal disputes.
Costner’s departure had a significant impact on Yellowstone, with his character’s absence setting the stage for a narrative shift and the eventual winding down of the flagship series. Still, his presence continues to loom over the storyline. As the franchise branches off into spinoffs, the decision to part ways appears to have been mutually beneficial.
Looking ahead, Costner is preparing new projects, including a Western film for Prime Video and a comedy alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. While Yellowstone may have closed one chapter in his long career, the actor-director is no stranger to reinvention—and appears ready to move forward despite recent setbacks.
