Tensions on the set of the hit television series "Yellowstone" reportedly reached a boiling point when actor Kevin Costner allegedly "lunged" at his co-star Wes Bentley during a disagreement over the show's script.
This altercation, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter, is said to have occurred during a scene filmed in Utah, where Costner urged Bentley to deviate from the script penned by series creator Taylor Sheridan and instead perform the scene "his way."
The confrontation, which left actress Kelly Reilly visibly upset, led to a temporary halt in production and is believed to have played a significant role in the eventual conclusion of the series. "It began, as so many arguments do, at a kitchen table," the outlet reported, highlighting the setting of the dispute.
Bentley, who portrays Jamie Dutton, resisted Costner's suggestion, asserting that he had committed to a Taylor Sheridan production, not a "Kevin Costner production," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the altercation did not escalate to physical violence, but witnesses described a heated exchange with both actors "in each other's faces, pushing and shoving and just getting hot until they had to be separated." Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, was reportedly "in tears" as crew members intervened to diffuse the situation.
The incident was characterized as a "tipping point" amidst ongoing creative power struggles and bruised egos on set, symbolizing broader tensions between Costner and Sheridan. "The incident with Wes was the line in the sand," a source told The Hollywood Reporter, adding, "Everyone loved Wes and so that really made Taylor upset."
"Yellowstone," which debuted on Paramount in 2018, quickly rose to prominence, becoming cable's top scripted show by its third season. However, despite its widespread appeal, the network confirmed that Season 5 would be its last, following a prolonged delay.
Costner, whose portrayal of John Dutton was a fan favorite, was notably absent from the final episodes, a decision stemming from disputes over scheduling, creative control, and his commitment to his self-funded "Horizon" Western films.
Costner's departure from "Yellowstone" is not an isolated incident in his career. The 70-year-old actor has previously clashed with co-stars and directors, including Hollywood heavyweights Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell. The Hollywood Reporter noted, "There's a long list of people in Hollywood who swear they'll never work with Costner again."
This revelation underscores the challenges of maintaining harmony in the high-stakes world of television production, where creative differences can lead to significant fallout.
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