History Main / AdaptationalSeriousness

* ''WebAnimation/TheScratchedUniverse'': ''[[VideoGame/TeamFortress2 TF2]]'' mercenaries with distorted faces and speech are a common sight in ''Gmod'' and ''SFM'' fan animations, and those features are usually a source of slapstick comedy with little bearing on their health, if at all. In this series, distorted faces and voices are telltale signs that these mercenaries are infected by a hostile virus, which turns them into murderous drones for the aliens propagating it. The faces are thus exclusively contextualized as BodyHorror, and the only sensible response for the characters facing those infected is to kill them on-sight, lest they become infected, too.

** [[Characters/MarvelComicsThanos|Thanos]] isn't nearly as much of a LargeHam {{Badass Boast}}er that he is in the comics. In the MCU, he's much more solemn and contemplative about his work, rarely raising his voice, and dead set on ensuring his goal is complete, with few boasts of his awe and might (Ebony Maw fills that void on his behalf).

** Thanos isn't nearly as much of a LargeHam {{Badass Boast}}er that he is in the comics. In the MCU, he's much more solemn and contemplative about his work, rarely raising his voice, and dead set on ensuring his goal is complete, with few boasts of his awe and might (Ebony Maw fills that void on his behalf).

** Batroc The Leaper in the comics is mostly portrayed as an IneffectualSympatheticVillain with a sily accent and a colourful, ridicolous costume who despite being a skilled fighter isn't taken very serious as a thread by the superhero community. Georges Batroc in the MCU misses all of that comical elements and is portrayed as a serious terrorist in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'' and ''Series/TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier''.
** In a similar way, ComicBook/SpiderMan-villain Herman Schultz a.k.a. the Shocker is often portrayed as ButtMonkey and more of a joke villain (althought with some NotSoHarmlessVillain-moments from time to time, the Shocker in ''Film/SpiderManHomecoming'' is a professional criminal and respected member of Vulture's gang and never got to be the receiving end of Spidey's jokes as in the comics.

* ''Franchise/FireEmblem'': Anna, a recurring character in the series, is usually a merchant who is fond of money. In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes'', Anna is commander of the Order of Heroes, the organization to which the heroes belong, and is as serious and professional as one might expect of a military leader in the main story. It's only in the Paralogues- side chapters in which the stakes are lower- that she relaxes and pursues get-rich-quick schemes that show off her comic relief side.

** Batroc The Leaper in the comics is mostly portrayed as an IneffectualSympatheticVillain with a sily accent and a colourful, ridicolous costume who despite being a skilled fighter isn't raken very serious as a thread by the superhero community. Georges Batroc in the MCU misses all of that comical elements and is portrayed as a serious terrorist in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'' and ''Series/TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier''.

Usually, in an adaptation, a character (if not always) becomes an AdaptationalComicRelief in comparison to the original source. But what if it's the opposite? A character is more serious or just humourless in an adaptation. Can result in a character being TheStoic. May also come from an AdaptationalAngstUpgrade. Cases of AdaptationalVillainy or AdaptationalJerkass are also likely options, as the character's more nastier or sinister portrayal extracts them from any comedic moments they once had, although [[AdaptationalHeroism the]] [[AdaptationalNiceGuy opposite]] can also apply if the character in question was a {{Comedic Sociopath|y}} or a SmugSnake.

* ''Series/AlexRider'': [[BigBad Damien Cray]], [[ExaggeratedTrope big time]]. He was one of the most comedic villains of the books, being a [[EccentricArtist loony pop star]] and PsychopathicManchild with a penchant for elaborate {{Death Trap}}s, namely a life-sized mock-up of the "Feathered Serpent" video game (which he tossed homeless people into ForTheEvulz) and [[DeathByIrony crushing the greedy traitor Charlie Roper with small change]]. Here, though, he's portrayed as a (on the surface), with a FreudianExcuse for his deranged EvilPlan. In fact, his relative sanity makes him ''more'' frightening, as he's absolutely '''seething''' with [[TranquilFury barely contained rage]] whenever someone messes with his plans, leading you to wonder when [[VillainousBreakdown he's going to explosively snap]]. He also keeps ''trying'' to be a NoNonsenseNemesis, but keeps getting interrupted before he can shoot Alex.

* ''Series/AlexRider'': [[BigBad Damien Cray]], [[ExaggeratedTrope big time]]. He was one of the most comedic villains of the books, being a [[EccentricArtist loony pop star]] and PsychopathicManchild with a penchant for elaborate {{Death Trap}}s, namely a life-sized mock-up of the "Feathered Serpent" video game (which he tossed homeless people into ForTheEvulz) and [[DeathByIrony crushing the greedy traitor Charlie Roper with a literal mountain of small change]]. Here, though, he's portrayed as a considerably more stable (on the surface) [[CorruptCorporateExecutive charismatic tech mogul]], with a FreudianExcuse for his EvilPlan to [[spoiler: [[NukeEm destroy the world's major drug-producing nations]]]] -- [[spoiler: [[ItsPersonal he found his idolised older brother dead of a drug overdose]] when he was a young child]]. In fact, his relative sanity makes him ''more'' frightening, as he's absolutely '''seething''' with [[TranquilFury barley contained rage]] whenever someone messes with his plans, leading you to wonder when [[VillainousBreakdown he's going to explosively snap]]... [[spoiler: Which, actually, he never does. He also keeps ''trying'' to be a NoNonsenseNemesis, but keeps getting interrupted before he can shoot Alex.]]

** In a similar way, ComicBook/SpiderMan-villain Hermann Schulz a.k.a. the Shocker is often portrayed as ButtMonkey and more of a joke villain (althought with some NotSoHarmlessVillain-moments from time to time, the Shocker in ''Film/SpiderManHomecoming'' is a professional criminal and respected member of Vulture's gang and never got to be the receiving end of Spidey's jokes as in the comics.

** Bstroc The Leaper in the comics is mostly portrayed as an IneffectualSympatheticVillain with a sily accent and a colourful, ridicolous costume who despite being a skilled fighter isn't raken very serious as a thread by the superhero community. Georges Batroc in the MCU misses all of that comical elements and is portrayed as a serious terrorist in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'' and ''Series/TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier''.
** In a similar way, ''ComicBook/SpiderMan''-villain Hermann Schulz a.k.a. the Shocker is often portrayed as ButtMonkey and more of a joke villain (althought with some NotSoHarmlessVillain-moments from time to time, the Shocker in ''Film/SpiderManHomecoming'' is a professional criminal and respected member of Vulture's gang and never got to be the receiving end of Spidey's jokes as in the comics.

** In a similar way, ''ComicBook/SpiderMan''-villain Hermann Schulz a.k.a. the Shocker is often portrayed as ButtMonkey and more of a joke villain (althought with some NotSoHarmlessVillain-moments from time to time, the Shocker in the MCU is a professional criminal and respected member of Vulture's gang and never got to be the receiving end of Spidey's jokes as in the comics.

* Several ''Manga/LoveHina'' fanfics such as ''Fanfic/ForHisOwnSake'' and ''Fanfic/AnAlternateKeitaroUrashima'' (both made by [[Creator/{{Karndragon}} the same author]]) plays the Hinata Girls (barring [[TokenGoodTeammate Shinobu]]) [[DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale treatment of Keitaro]] (especially Naru) for drama rather than for laughs, in addition to their [[AdaptationalVillainy negative attributes being cranked up]] in order to make the abuse even more horrifying.

* Downplayed with Iris Heart in ''Anime/HyperdimensionNeptuniaTheAnimation''. While she isn't a ''completely'' serious character, her anime counterpart shows far more restraint in her sadistic behavior by only targeting her enemies and is overall a more of a reasonable if harsh person while still having a bit of chaotic tendencies. This is a stark contrast to her depiction in [[VideoGame/HyperdimensionNeptuniaVictory her introduction game]], where she was a colossal HeroicComedicSociopath who enjoyed tormenting both enemies and allies alike, in physical, mental ''and'' [[BlackComedyRape sexual]] ways, while also making [[DoubleEntendre unintentionally sexual-sounding]] jokes. This was likely due to her more [[AdaptationalHeroism friendlier portrayal]] in the anime.

* Several ''Manga/LoveHina'' fanfics such as ''Fanfic/ForHisOwnSake'' and ''Fanfic/AnAlternateKeitaroUrashima'' (both made by the same author) plays the Hinata Girls (barring [[TokenGoodTeammate Shinobu]]) [[DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale treatment of Keitaro]] (especially Naru) for drama rather than for laughs, along with their [[AdaptationalVillainy negative attributes being cranked up]] making the abuse even more horrifying.

* Downplayed with Iris Heart in ''Anime/HyperdimensionNeptuniaTheAnimation''. While she isn't a ''completely'' serious character, her anime counterpart shows far more restraint in her sadistic behavior by only targeting her enemies and is overall a more of a reasonable if harsh person while still having a bit of chaotic tendencies. This is a stark contrast to her depiction in [[VideoGame/HyperdimensionNeptuniaVictory her introduction game]], where she was a colossal HeroicComedicSociopath who enjoyed tormenting both enemies and allies alike, in physical, mental ''and'' [[BlackComedyRape sexual]] ways, while also making [[DoubleEntendre unintentionally sexual sounding]] jokes. This was likely due to her more [[AdaptationalHeroism friendlier portrayal]] in the anime.

Usually, in an adaptation, a character (if not always) becomes an AdaptationalComicRelief in comparison to the original source. But what if it's the opposite? A character is more serious or just humourless in an adaptation. Can result in a character being TheStoic. May also come from an AdaptationalAngstUpgrade. Cases of AdaptationalVillainy or AdaptationalJerkass are also likely options, as the character's more nastier or sinister portrayal extracts them from any comedic moments they once had, although [[AdaptationalHeroism the]] [[AdaptationalNiceGuy opposite]] can also apply if the character in question was a {{Comedic Sociopath|y}}.

This trope is often found in derivative works that are DarkerAndEdgier or BloodierAndGorier than their source. It is also often done with TheHero, especially when a work from another medium is adapted to film. Other notable examples range from a LaughablyEvil HarmlessVillain becoming a [[TheDreaded scare mongering]] KnightOfCerebus to TheChewToy[=/=]ButtMonkey being [[TheWoobie woobified]].

* Downplayed with Iris Heart in ''Anime/HyperdimensionNeptuniaTheAnimation''. While she isn't a ''completely'' serious character, her anime counterpart is more of a CreepyGood TerrorHero who takes [[LetsGetDangerous several situations as if they're no laughing matter]]. This is a stark contrast to her [[VideoGame/HyperdimensionNeptuniaVictory game counterpart]], where she was a colossal HeroicComedicSociopath who enjoyed tormenting both enemies and allies alike, in physical, emotional ''and'' [[BlackComedyRape sexual]] ways, while also making [[DoubleEntendre unintentionally sexual-sounding]] jokes, likely due to her more [[AdaptationalHeroism friendlier portrayal]] in the anime. Even her morally questionable actions she inflicts come off as being more [[CreepyAwesome terrifyingly cool]] than [[ComedicSociopathy morbidly humorous]], as the majority of her victims are often [[AssholeVictim the bad guys]], such as what happened to [[CardCarryingVillain Linda]] in [[BeachEpisode episode 8]].

* Several ''Manga/LoveHina'' fanfics such as ''Fanfic/ForHisOwnSake'' and ''Fanfic/AnAlternateKeitaroUrashima'' plays the Hinata Girls (barring [[TokenGoodTeammate Shinobu]]) [[DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale treatment of Keitaro]] (especially Naru) for drama rather than for laughs, likely due to their [[AdaptationalVillainy negative attributes being cranked up]] making the abuse even more horrifying.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{The Jungle Book|1967}}'': All three of Mowgli's {{animal companion}}s get personality changes in this adaptation. This trope applies to Bagheera the panther, who was far more playful in the book, while the inverse applies to Baloo the bear.

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%%* ''WebAnimation/HololiveError'', being a DarkerAndEdgier HighSchoolAU to ''WebAnimation/{{Hololive}}'', does this to [[Characters/HololiveSuiseiChannel Suisei Hoshimachi's]] character Nanase Furukawa. Whereas Suisei is a MemeticPsychopath known for her [[ComedicSociopathy humorously murderous persona]] in the games she plays (such as ''VideoGame/ProjectWinter'' and ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'') Nanase's sociopathic behavior (which is a lot [[AdaptationalJerkass worse than Suisei's]]) is PlayedForHorror, which is evident by her bitchy nature and her [[{{Yandere}} feelings towards the]] NewTransferStudent.
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* One of ''WebAnimation/DeathBattle's'' main rules is that characters are stripped of all restraints from killing that would exist in their home series.

* In ''Manga/CodeGeassNightmareofNunnally'', while Milly Ashford is still relatively lighthearted overall, this version of the story has her more often in serious moments, since she serves as a pillar of support for Nunnally after Lelouch disappears at the start of the story. The Lake Kawaguchi trip was specifically intended to help get Nunnally's mind off of her worries about Lelouch.

** ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' helped put the franchise on the map thanks to a combination of exciting plots and unique characters (helped by the cast and crew giving virtually all characters a unique voice or inflection). Optimus Prime in particular avoided the biggest pitfalls of being a StandardizedLeader by being an approachable yet warm leader, which caused him to be viewed as a surrogate father figure by many kids of the '80s. However, virtually every version of him since then (such as his counterparts in [[Film/{{Transformers}} the live-action films]], the [[VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron Al]][[VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron ign]][[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime ed]] Continuity and [[Creator/IDWPublishing IDW's Transformers comics]]) are all portrayed as stoic, humourless leaders weighed down by [[TheChainsOfCommanding the burden of leadership]]. The [[WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy Netflix series]] version of Optimus is particularly disliked for being such a dour, unlikable character that it's difficult to imagine him inspiring the Autobots at all.

*** [[HeinousHyena Shenzi]] in the original film was voiced by comedienne Creator/WhoopiGoldberg, and was prone to trading jokes and SnarkToSnarkCombat with her friend Banzai. Shenzi in this film is voiced by serious actress Creator/FlorenceKasumba with a ContraltoOfDanger, never makes jokes, and therefore behaves more like an actual danger to young Simba and Nala. On the other hand, her subordinates are just as funny as ever.

* ''Film/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney'':

* ''Manga/{{Bokurano}}''. Aiko "Anko" Tokosumi is significantly more ditzy in the manga than in the anime, although she is capable of being serious and even angsting at times. In the anime, most of Anko's comedic moments, such as losing her temper when Koyemshi vaguely alludes that [[ThisIndexTouchesItself she'd been masturbating]] before being teleported to Zearth, are cut (in the anime, she's in the middle of drying her hair) and she's shown to be somewhat more emotionally vulnerable.

* Downplayed with Iris Heart in ''Anime/HyperdimensionNeptuniaTheAnimation''. While she isn't a ''completely'' serious character, her anime counterpart is more of a CreepyGood TerrorHero who takes [[LetsGetDangerous several situations as if they're no laughing matter]]. This is a stark contrast to her [[VideoGame/HyperdimensionNeptuniaVictory game counterpart]], where she was a colossal HeroicComedicSociopath who enjoyed tormenting both enemies and allies alike, in physical, emotional ''and'' [[BlackComedyRape sexual]] ways, while also making [[DoubleEntendre unintentionally sexual sounding]] jokes, likely due to her more [[AdaptationalHeroism friendlier portrayal]] in the anime. Even her morally questionable actions she inflicts come off as being more [[CreepyAwesome terrifyingly cool]] than [[ComedicSociopathy morbidly humorous]], as the majority of her victims are often [[KickTheSonOfABitch the bad guys]], such as what happened to [[CardCarryingVillain Linda]] in [[BeachEpisode episode 8]].

* ''Manga/{{Bokurano}}''. Aiko "Anko" Tokosumi is significantly more ditzy in the manga than in the anime, although she is capable of being serious and even angsting at times. In the anime, most of Anko's comedic moments, such as losing her temper when Koyemshi vaguely alludes that she'd been masturbating before being teleported to Zearth, are cut (in the anime, she's in the middle of drying her hair) and she's shown to be somewhat more emotionally vulnerable.

* ''Manga/{{Bokurano}}''. Aiko "Anko" Tokosumi is significantly more ditzy in the manga than in the anime, although she is capable of being serious and even angsting at times. In the anime, most of Anko's comedic moments, such as losing her temper when Koyemshi vaguely alludes that she'd been having ADateWithRosiePalms before being teleported to Zearth, are cut (in the anime, she's in the middle of drying her hair) and she's shown to be somewhat more emotionally vulnerable.