So it's no secret Mark Ruffalo has shown interest in remaining in the MCU as its Hulk. I was reading MCU news and found this interesting bit.
“Kevin Feige just asked me last week if I had any more ideas or stories for the Hulk. And I said yeah, I think there’s still some stories to tell. And he said, ‘Well why don’t you come in and tell me about them and we’ll see if we can find a place for you in the Marvel universe?’” Source:
Now, I'm now saying Kevin Feige comes off as a jerk or anything, he pretty much invited Ruffalo to a brainstorm session, but it's how he worded the last bit. Does it come off like "if we got something good, we'll fit you in" but it also sounds like they might not have anything for Hulk. Really? HULK? With Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Scarlett Johansson all stepping down, you'd think Feige would be eager to keep one of the few original Avengers actors that actually wants to stay. It comes off very nonchalant. You have time to develop C-list properties like Shang-Chi, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk, but your writers haven't been working on anything for Hulk, whose actor actually wants to stay?
It suddenly puts what Chris Evans said in perspective. He opted to step down before being pushed out. It's no secret these movie studios are fickle, so what Evans said makes a lot of sense. It doesn't pay to be loyal or passionate about your character beyond your contract.