In addition to speculations of a rivalry between Costner and "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan, Costner is divorcing Christine Baumgartner, his wife of nearly 20 years.
On September 1, Costner's personal and professional life clashed during a child support divorce. Costner indicated at the hearing that splitting the fifth season into two parts sealed his departure.
The actor said he tried to return one last time and requested his representatives to "have them pay me whatever number, we came up with a number, and they [Yellowstone] walked away."
Costner suggested in the hearing he may sue about his "Yellowstone" compensation.
While it initially believed he was talking to remuneration for the second half of the fifth season, which was scheduled to air this fall before Hollywood strikes, Puck reported Thursday that Costner had already been paid for all of season five.
In May, Paramount Network said the show would end after five seasons, thus Costner may have threatened to sue for pay for seasons 6 and 7.
Costner and Sheridan discussed Costner returning to finish the show in July, according to Puck, citing anonymous sources.
Paramount Media Network CEO Chris McCarthy allegedly hoped to resume talks with Costner's team until the pay complaint was filed.