Ari Emanuel’s Memoir 'Roll the Calls' Debuts Amidst Industry Turmoil and Political Advocacy
Ari Emanuel has released his new memoir, 'Roll the Calls,' ghostwritten by J.R. Moehringer, detailing his rise from a CAA mailroom clerk to the head of WME Group and TKO. The book, which features an audiobook narration by Bob Odenkirk, explores his early struggles with dyslexia and the brutal power dynamics of Hollywood. In accompanying interviews, Emanuel defends cross-partisan dialogue with the Trump administration regarding film tax credits and expresses optimism about AI enhancing rather than replacing creative talent.
Key points
- The memoir 'Roll the Calls' was published on September 22, 2026, and is ghostwritten by J.R. Moehringer.
- Emanuel recounts his early days at CAA, including catering duties and enduring verbal abuse from superagent Michael Ovitz.
- He currently serves as executive chairman of WME Group and CEO of TKO Group Holdings, which owns UFC and WWE.
- Emanuel is actively lobbying for a national film and television tax credit, engaging with both Democratic and Republican officials.
- He maintains that AI will increase leisure time and demand for entertainment, though it will cause some industry dislocation.
Background
This release follows earlier coverage of Emanuel’s business empire and his recent charitable donations to pediatric healthcare in the West Bank. Previous archive entries noted his reputation as a combative agent and his views on the resilience of the entertainment industry against technological shifts.
How outlets are covering it
Vulture emphasizes the personal and historical narrative, highlighting Emanuel’s dyslexia and his eventual viewing of 'Entourage.' The Hollywood Reporter focuses on the gritty details of his mailroom origins and his updated 'Next Gen' questionnaire from 1994. Deadline highlights his current political and industry stances, particularly his defense of cross-partisan dialogue with the Trump administration and his optimistic view of AI’s role in Hollywood. While Vulture and THR focus on the memoir’s content, Deadline focuses on Emanuel’s current advocacy and industry predictions.
Why it matters
The memoir provides a definitive account of one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures, offering insights into the industry’s power structures and the evolution of talent management. Emanuel’s public stance on AI and tax credits signals his influence on future policy and industry adaptation.
What to watch
Emanuel is scheduled to hold a tour stop in Los Angeles on September 29, 2026. He will continue to lobby for the national film tax credit, with hopes of its passage by the end of the year.
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- Ari Emanuel On His New Memoir, Nikki Finke, Talking To Trump, AI’s Upside & The Hollywood Exec He Hates The Most deadline.com
- Ari Emanuel Dishes on His Hollywood Career, Paramount Merger and Relationship With Elon Musk Bloomberg.com
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