Yellowstone on-set clash between Costner and Bentley halts production

Kevin Costner and costar Wes Bentley were involved in an on‑set confrontation during filming of the fifth season of Yellowstone in Utah that briefly halted production, according to people who were present. The altercation, described by witnesses as lunging, pushing and shoving that stopped short of thrown punches, took place during an emotionally charged scene that also involved Kelly Reilly. Reilly was reported to have been in tears as cast and crew intervened and filming paused.

People on the set said the dispute began when Costner, who was the series lead and an executive producer, urged Bentley to depart from the written script and play the scene differently. Bentley responded that he had signed up to perform the creator’s material rather than follow directions from a fellow actor. A representative for Bentley characterized the episode as a work‑related argument during an intense scene that was discussed and resolved. A representative for Costner declined to comment.

The incident is described by those familiar with the production as a turning point in growing tensions among Costner, the series creator and other members of the cast and crew. According to people close to the...