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It’s been four years since Superman last graced the big screen in Superman Returns, and it’s looking like the superhero might be taking to the skies once again.

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have just signed David Goyer to write the screenplay for Man of Steel (working title), the next Superman film. Goyer has worked with Warner Bros. before as a co-writer of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and is no stranger to the world of comic book hero-based films. In addition to the Batman films, Goyer served as writer and producer of the ‘Blade’ franchise, and executive producer of Ghost Rider.

Goyer joining up with the Superman project comes right as Warner Bros. is starting to hit crunch time in getting another Superman movie going. Once 2013 rolls around, the heirs of the creator and co-creator of Superman will take possession of the Superman copyright, which means that Warner Bros. will have to pay millions to the heirs in order to continue with any subsequent Superman movies.

With a writer now in place for the film, Warner Bros. is much more likely to be able to get the new movie rolling by 2011, meaning the film has a better chance of being finished and into theaters before the 2013 turnover.

So far, Goyer’s idea for the Man of Steel would give audiences a more action-based film, including battles between Superman and Lex Luthor, and between Superman and Brainiac.

Brandon Routh, who played Clark Kent/Superman in Superman Returns is not expected to return for Man of Steel; neither is Superman Returns writer/director/producer Bryan Singer.