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For New Jersey’s Aly Mang, appearing in the action movie John Wick: Chapter 2 is a dream come true.

Sure, Mang gets to play opposite Golden Globe Award-winning actor Ian McShane as the personal assistant to his character “Winston.” But the original John Wick (2014) also happens to be a personal favorite.

“I was a huge fan of the first John Wick and of director Chad Stahelski,” Mang explained. “To me, John Wick is like the more realistic version of Batman and The Matrix combined. It is a story with a lot of heart and depth, yet simple to follow and just fun to watch. I can watch it over and over and find something new to love about it each time.

“To be even a small part of such a huge blockbuster franchise was a dream opportunity … especially because I could tell on-set this story was going to be even more badass than the original. From the cast to the shooting locations, cars and stunts there’s a lot to love about this movie.”

Audiences apparently agree as the film, which stars Keanu Reeves once again as “John Wick,” has hovered among the Top 5 grossing films since its premiere in mid-February.

Mang, who grew up in Warren and now calls Hoboken home, said she had great experiences while on the John Wick: Chapter 2 set and in working with McShane.

“The opportunity to meet and work with such an accomplished actor, and gentleman, was a pleasure,” Mang said. “Ian is an amazing talent and, for me, it was very much another learning opportunity. I always try and absorb whatever I can on any set. One scene was just Ian, Keanu, Riccardo Scamarcio (“Santino D’Antonio”) and me … I felt very lucky to be in the same room with all of them at once. Talk about a power team!”

It’s looking as though 2017 may be a breakout year for Mang. Beyond John Wick: Chapter 2, Mang is headed soon to New Mexico to begin production of the feature film Hyde Park in which she has a lead role. And then this summer shooting begins in New York City for the new TV series Pyschosis on which Mang will be a regular.

“I am just going to keep dreaming and working hard,” Mang said. “One step at a time.”

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Want to know more about Mang? Click here to read our 2016 profile.