Does anyone has a theory or idea why the duffers didn't felt the need to bring Owens back?

I know there is a theory he was supposed to be that solider who disagrees with Kay missions with kids and was eventually killed by Vecna, but it very minor role and not much fit to Owens anyway.

But aside it, why do you think the duffers thought to ignore one of the most important secondaries characters of the all show? Especially after ending his character in season 4 by a mystery of him be alive?

Also pretty sure his actor said he can't tell us because "people are watching", so he just joked or his plot was dropped?

I simply don't see why he won't return, no way it was time troubles right? Even if we put aside the 3 years of work, they could have easily just say he died outscreen or something, but they didn't even comfirmed his fate!