Screenwriters Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris will not reprise their scribe status for the “Superman Returns” sequel, it has been announced.

The next Superman movie is off to an apparently rocky start as scribes Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris, who penned the script for 2006’s “Superman Returns”, have refused to join the new Warner Bros project. Bryan Singer is still on as director.

There has been some speculation that the studio is looking to replace Brandon Routh with anther actor to portray the Man of Steel in the forthcoming sequel, but Warner Bros has denied such plans.

The studio is searching though for an actor to wear Superman’s bright blue tights in the forthcoming “Justice League” movie.

Dougherty and Harris, who have worked with Singer on “X2: X-Men United,” are reportedly pursuing more directing gigs, according to Variety. Dougherty recently completed “Trick 'R Treat” at Warner Bros as his first film, reports the trade paper, and is planning to pen a graphic novel and children's book.

“Trick 'R Treat” is scheduled for a 2008 release. The horror film, reportedly rated R by the MPAA for horror violence, some sexuality/nudity, and language, stars Brian Cox.

Harris, who had previously helmed 2004’s “Imaginary Heroes,” starring Emile Hirsch and Sigourney Weaver, is writing and directing “I, Lucifer,” based on the book, with Daniel Craig attached to star, per Variety.

As to “Justice League,” a project still shrouded in mystery, Variety reported last month that actress Jessica Biel was in talks to play Super Woman. She is just one of the super heroes expected to be featured in the movie: Superman, Batman, the Flash and Aquaman.

George Miller has already signed to direct the pic, while Kieran and Michele Mulroney have penned the script.

Christian Bale and Brandon Routh, who portrayed Batman and Superman, respectively, are not expected to join the production.