Gayle King Awkwardly Asks Kevin Costner To Address ‘Yellowstone’ Tension With Taylor Sheridan, Saying The Two Men Are “Playing A Game Of ‘Whose Is Bigger’”

Even though it’s official that Kevin Costner is exiting Yellowstone, the perceived tension on the set of the hit show is still a talking point he can’t seem to get away from. Costner appeared on Thursday’s episode of CBS Mornings to speak with Gayle King about his new film, Horizon, and King — whose interview style can be pretty blunt — then asked Costner to address his strained relationship with showrunner Taylor Sheridan head-on. (It should be noted that this interview was filmed before Costner publicly announced his departure from Yellowstone.)

“[People] say that because of Horizon, it caused problems on Yellowstone,” King told Costner. “True fans of the show say they can’t imagine Yellowstone without you. And if you want to go back… people say this about the two of you: Both big egos, both very powerful, both at the top of their game. And that right now, maybe the two of you are playing a game of ‘Whose is bigger?’ Do you see it that way?”

When Costner took a pause to answer, King repeated jokingly, “Whose is bigger, Kevin?”

“I love the show,” Costner replied. “I loved the show before anybody, it was Taylor and myself. The truth never changes, that love was really strong. The idea of going back, I would do that in a second if I felt it was something I could do – wanted to do – I would make it fit.”

“But the characterization of you isn’t necessarily flattering,” King pressed. “You made demands, you want to have a certain schedule, you want to shoot at a certain time, you want certain money. If it’s not that hard, why can’t the two of you be able to work it out?”

Costner replied, “It’s not therapy, Gayle. I mean, we’re not gonna discuss this on the show. I mean, honestly. I’ve conducted my life in a pretty straightforward way. I’ve never missed any obligations in my entire career.”

He added, “So the idea is wide open for me, it just happens to be like, can I fall in love with the writing, can I fall in love with the part that wants to go forward?”

Despite Costner’s unease with that question, King also went on to ask Costner about his recent divorce, which he called a “crushing moment,” all while appearing uncomfortable, as he gripped his arm and slouched in his seat. Where is Lenny Kravitz when you need him to break the tension?