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You Don't Mess with the Zohan

You Don't Mess with the Zohan is a 2008 American satirical action comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan and written by Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Robert Smigel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

You Don't Mess with the Zohan is a 2008 American satirical action comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan and written by Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Robert Smigel. It stars Sandler as Zohan Dvir, an Israeli counter-terrorism commando who fakes his death to pursue a dream of becoming a hairstylist in New York City. The film was released in the United States on June 6, 2008.

Premise

The film follows Zohan Dvir, an elite Israeli counter-terrorism operative who fakes his death and relocates to New York City to pursue his dream of working as a hairstylist.

Production

The movie was directed by Dennis Dugan and written by Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Robert Smigel. Sandler also stars in the title role.

Release and reception

You Don't Mess with the Zohan opened in the United States on June 6, 2008. Available sources describe it as a box-office success, with worldwide gross revenue reported at $204.3 million.

Cast

The film features John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Nick Swardson, Lainie Kazan, and Rob Schneider alongside Sandler.

Key facts

  • The film is a satirical action comedy centered on an Israeli commando who becomes a hairstylist.
  • Adam Sandler plays the title character, Zohan Dvir.
  • Dennis Dugan directed the film, marking another collaboration with Sandler.
  • The story follows Zohan after he fakes his own death and moves to New York City.
  • The film was released in U.S. theatres on June 6, 2008.
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Canadian context

The film was released internationally, including in Canadian markets, and is part of the broader North American comedy-film release landscape familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is You Don't Mess with the Zohan about?
It follows an Israeli commando who fakes his death and moves to New York to become a hairstylist.
Who directed You Don't Mess with the Zohan?
Dennis Dugan directed the film.
Who wrote the film?
Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Robert Smigel are credited as writers.
When was it released?
It was released in the United States on June 6, 2008.
Who plays Zohan?
Adam Sandler plays the title character, Zohan Dvir.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Don't_Mess_with_the_Zohan
    Supports: Basic film identification, release year, director, writers, cast, and premise.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0960144/
    Supports: Plot premise and release-year identification.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/you_dont_mess_with_the_zohan
    Supports: Release date, rating, genre, and synopsis.
  4. Mariah Carey Network — https://mariahcareynetwork.com/film/zohan.html
    Supports: Director, cast, plot summary, release date, and worldwide box office gross.
  5. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Don't_Mess_with_the_Zohan
    Supports: Director, writers, release date, and mixed critical reception.