Full Breakdown
Mazel Tough: New Romantic Comedy Explores Modern Jewish Dating
7/27/2026, 7:52:10 PM
Core Production Details
“Mazel Tough” is an upcoming feature-length romantic comedy that follows a young Jewish man navigating love, identity, and connection during the holiday season. The film is slated to begin principal photography in Tulsa, Oklahoma in October. It is directed by Evan Scolnick, marking his first feature-directorial effort after working on short-form projects and a stint at Marvel Studios. Production is overseen by Billy Greenfield, Cassidy Lunnen, and Daniel Stuzin, with executive producers from Buffalo 8 Productions—including Adam Harris Engelhard, Jonathan Lipnicki, Matthew Helderman, and Luke Morton. Casting was handled by Ricki Maslar.
Background & Context
The story is positioned as a culturally specific yet universally resonant look at contemporary dating, framed through the lens of the Jewish community.
Key Figures
- Evan Scolnick – Director and producer; previously created the short film *Background Action* and contributed to Marvel’s *Hawkeye*.
- Alex Rich, Colin Ford, Adam Shapiro, Michael Vlamis, Jonathan Lipnicki, Sofia Masson – Principal cast members, each represented by various talent agencies.
- Billy Greenfield, Cassidy Lunnen, Daniel Stuzin – Producers responsible for financing and logistics.
- Buffalo 8 Productions – Production company providing executive oversight; its team includes Engelhard, Lipnicki, Helderman, and Morton.
Official Statements & Responses
Director Scolnick expressed that the project evolved from a personal story into a film he believes holds “global resonance,” emphasizing its relevance beyond a single cultural setting. Representatives from Buffalo 8 highlighted the film’s timely exploration of dating complexities and affirmed confidence in Scolnick’s voice, the assembled cast, and the producing team to bring the story to life.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I never imagined my debut feature would be a romantic comedy, yet the more I lived with this deeply personal story, the more I realized how timely and globally resonant it is,” — Evan Scolnick
- “Since meeting, we’ve been looking for the right Jewish film to champion, and Mazel Tough immediately felt like that opportunity,” — Buffalo
