Line #53 Main/AdaptationalSeriousness


1	[[quoteright:350:[[Franchise/GhostInTheShell https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/adaptserious.png]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350:Above: [[Manga/GhostInTheShell Major Motoko Kusanagi]] has her fair share of goof-ball moments.\
3	Below: [[Anime/GhostInTheShell1995 Major Motoko Kusanagi]] contemplates the meaning of existence and humanity.]]
4
5	The logical flipside of AdaptationalComicRelief: a character with a known sense of humor (or at least a lighthearted side) is made 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.
6
7	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, and/or the villain if they were originally a LaughablyEvil HarmlessVillain.
8
9	Compare and contrast OOCIsSeriousBusiness, which usually applies to characters going out-of-character to reflect their current situations within the works themselves and is not mutually exclusive to adaptation changes. Opposite of AdaptationalComicRelief, where an originally serious character becomes a PluckyComicRelief. SubTrope of AdaptationPersonalityChange.
10
11	----
12	!!Examples:
13
14	[[foldercontrol]]
15
16	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
17	* In the ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' manga Casca has multiple funny moments along with [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkt3SDXZ8s7mf31O8Agf_llc1quxyx_P5Jkw&usqp=CAU comical expressions]]. In ''Anime/BerserkTheGoldenAgeArc'' films she’s magnitudes more somber with the moments of her being silly and wild being cut entirely.
18	* ''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.
19	* 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.
20	* ''Anime/DevilMayCryTheAnimatedSeries'' often gets flak for giving Dante a sizeable amount of this. In the games (with the exception of the second one) Dante is pretty much FunPersonified, having numerous LargeHam moments, funny lines and outright breakouts into dance/rock guitar/stage performance. In the anime, Dante though he still has humorous one-liners, is far more brooding and serious in edgelord fashion. In fairness though, the events of the anime are chronologically set after the first game where Dante seemingly had to kill Vergil his only brother when the latter was disguised as Nelo Angelo with Dante only discovering this truth after slaying him. Not to mention anime Dante is technically closer to how Dante was originally i.e somewhat jokey at times but otherwise quite serious, however since the preceding ''[=DMC3=]'' made Dante’s goofiness a staple of his character, this more sullen treatment stands out by comparison.
21	* In ''Franchise/DragonBall'' [[NonSerialMovie non-serial films]], particularly the ''Z''-era ones, Goku is far more serious and mature than ever he is in the original manga or in ''Anime/DragonBallSuper''. In canon Goku is a largely carefree BoisterousBruiser who is obsessed with fighting and it takes immediate danger or death to his close allies, family and innocent civilians for him to actually take matters seriously. In the ''Z'' films Goku is still lighthearted and fun but he completely lacks the ridiculous SkewedPriorities of his canon counterpart and doesn’t remotely go easy on villains or willingly let them get stronger for the sake of having a better challenge. He also shows more active concern for Gohan, even ordering him to leave the battlefield in ''Anime/DragonBallZBrolyTheLegendarySuperSaiyan'' after the titular evil Saiyan makes a veiled threat towards him.
22	* ''Manga/FullMetalAlchemist'':
23	** In the manga, Envy is a very excitable and somewhat frequent source of comedy for the audience with several LargeHam moments when recounting their evil deeds. In the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist2003 2003 anime]], Envy is considerably calmer with toned-down comedic traits, also lacking the manga version's PowerfulButIncompetent tendencies. Justified since Envy is a much older and smarter AdaptationalBadass in the 2003 anime, being treated as a very real threat to the heroes, whereas manga!Envy was dwarfed in terms of power and importance by many other villains.
24	** Barry the Chopper is an AffablyEvil comic relief IneffectualSympatheticVillain in the manga and ''Brotherhood''. In the 2003 anime, he is treated as a serious threat, and he lacks his comedic and redeeming qualities. In fact, the 2003 anime actually shows him as a SerialKiller in life, and he nearly kills Winry.
25	* The original ''Manga/GhostInTheShell'' manga is filled with numerous comedic elements such as BlackComedy, sight gags, Batou being a ButtMonkey for comedy's sake, Motoko Kusanagi being greedy, petty, bitchy, and snarky, and plenty of exaggerated expressions thanks to Creator/ShirowMasamune's art styles. Creator/MamoruOshii's [[Anime/GhostInTheShell1995 1995 adaptation]] conveys a complete tone shift by refocusing Motoko and Batou as stoic and introspective while focusing on philosophy and the nature of humans and technology in a CyberPunk setting, as well as more proportionally realistic depictions in the art style. Every series that has followed has continued with a fairly grounded reality within its story settings, usually only allowing humor to develop naturally from character interactions.
26	* ''Manga/{{Hanebad}}'': While the manga is quite light-hearted and often comedic (at least in the early parts), the anime adopts a much more somber tone, changes some characters' personalities, and rearranges the storyline significantly, making the two versions very distinct from each other.
27	* 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.
28	* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'': In the manga, Jotaro is much more expressive and smiles more often during ''Manga/StardustCrusaders''. In the anime, Jotaro only has the serious part of his personality present during most of the series. The [=OVAs=] go even further removing much of the series' comedy and exaggeration.
29	* In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', Agitha is one of the rare humans who's not scared of Link in his wolf form. In [[Manga/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess2016 the manga]], both of them meet in Castle Town streets in a dark night, and she's scared of him as he carries an injured Midna on his back, believing he killed her.
30	* In the ''Franchise/OnePiece'' movies (especially the DarkerAndEdgier ones) a good deal of the goofier CharacterTics of the Straw Hats are downplayed. Sanji notably is always a LovableSexManiac in the manga, whereas in the films (while still easily aroused) he’s surprisingly more serious and mature even when beautiful women are involved, for example in ''Anime/OnePieceFilmRed'' Sanji treats Uta with respect rather than just drooling over her as he would in the manga [[spoiler:knowing she’s dying due to the Wake Shroom.]]
31	* ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries'':
32	** In the games, the villain squads of each region usually consist of a hierarchy in competence (in most cases, [[VileVillainLaughableLackey bungling mooks but with sinister leaders]]), but are very often still [[BewareTheSillyOnes very hammy and grandiose in behaviour despite a usually threatening scheme]]. In the anime, likely because Team Rocket still exists as the GoldfishPoopGang in each series, the alternate teams are usually conveyed as more consistently serious and fearsome. Team Flare in particular are conveyed as genuinely no-nonsense and stoic, even their lowlier grunts, while in the games their fashion victim gimmick made them far more pretentious and silly acting in-universe to offset their shady behaviour. Only Team Skull are largely the same as their games counterparts, posing as a SitcomArchNemesis for Team Rocket.
33	** Played and subverted with Brock and Kiawe, who, in a case of CharacterizationMarchesOn, were much more stoic and no-nonsense in their earliest appearances in the anime, only to become ''even more'' comical and jovial than their games counterparts afterward.
34	* ''Anime/SailorMoon'': Usagi Tsukino is best known for being a CuteClumsyGirl, a crybaby, and a BigEater slob who bungles around being a Sailor Senshi before CharacterDevelopment eventually kicks in. In the eventually dropped [[WesternAnimation/ToonMakersSailorMoon American pilot]], Victoria (Usagi's to-be American counterpart) is a far more composed teenage girl who, while still engaging in typical teenage activities, handles her double life as a Princess Warrior immediately.
35	* ''Anime/TrigunStampede'': Vash is a great deal more serious and nearly not as ridiculous as he was in the previous anime series. This does actually make him TruerToTheText of the manga though, the 1998 anime [[AdaptationalComicRelief having played up manga Vash’s sillier qualities up to the hilt]].
36	* In ''Anime/TwelveMonths'', the Months are stern, serious and quiet (except for a single moment when they burst out laughing at the idea of snowdrops in winter), a big change from the play's cheerful and friendly characters who sing a merry song.
37	[[/folder]]
38
39	[[folder:Comic Books]]
40	* ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'':
41	** The Dark Knight can sometimes fall into this trope. Some versions are completely goofy or TheComicallySerious, like the ''Series/Batman1966'' iteration, and others still, like the ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'' version, do in fact crack jokes or display a warmer side. However, some have completely lost themselves in the identity, and little, if any warmth or humor, is not present. The version from ''Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy'' eventually falls into this, and the iteration from ''Film/TheBatman2022'' is like this from the beginning.
42	** [[ComicBook/{{Nightwing}} Dick Grayson]] gets this constantly in adaptations, usually thanks to getting [[CompositeCharacter fused]] with his adoptive brother Jason Todd. Many adaptations from the Schumacher films to ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans2003'' to ''Series/Titans2018'' depict him as quite edgy and serious. In the comics while Dick is more mature and somewhat brooding when he becomes Nightwing, he’s still a cheerful NiceGuy who gets along with everyone and has plenty of levity compared to his mentor. Even the famous “falling out” Dick has with Batman, wasn’t nearly so violently rageful and bitter as ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'' depicts. In the comics it happened due to Batman in a bout PapaWolf concern simply asking Dick to step down after Joker shot in the shoulder, Dick accepted his foster father’s request gracefully — but made still made it clear he was going continue fighting crime anyway.
43	** Creator/FrankMiller’s depictions of ComicBook/TheJoker in both ''ComicBook/TheDarkKnightReturns'' and ''ComicBook/AllStarBatmanAndRobinTheBoyWonder'' are utterly devoid of his usual twisted humour and gags. He’s easily the least funniest incarnation of the character in the comics.
44	* In ''ComicBook/{{Fables}}'' every single remotely goofy or lighthearted FairyTale character gets a more serious make-over and in some cases even outright AdaptationalVillainy. It’s most notable in characters such as Pinocchio or Goldilocks whom are goofy in their original stories but as gritty as Tarantino characters here.
45	* ''ComicBook/UltimateMarvel'':
46	** The original ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}} was a warm, friendly guy who was quick to crack a joke and had such a strong [[ThouShallNotKill code against killing]] that he temporarily quit the Avengers when he killed the supervillain Egghead by accident (he'd tried to disarm Egghead by firing an arrow at his ray gun only for the gun to explode and fatally wound Egghead). In Ultimate Marvel, he was changed into a stone-cold, dead-serious assassin who never joked and never smiled while casually killing people.
47	** Ben Grimm aka The Thing of ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' is a loveable BoisterousBruiser and while he was a JerkassWoobie in the beginning (due to his appearance) he was upbeat and full one-liners. In ''ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour'' Ben is deadly serious having tried to kill himself off-screen and is perfectly willingly to kill foes.
48	** Classic Franchise/SpiderMan is the quippiest and one of the most humorous Marvel heroes of all time, he always has serious moments but at his core is lighthearted. ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan depicts a far more serious and rageful Peter Parker, dialling up his earlier TroubledTeen characterisation from Lee-Ditko run to elven. This Spidey fights with Aunt May, punches out Nick Fury and gets frustrated with Mary Jane. He’s still got his 616 counterpart’s YouFightLikeACow tactics but is far more of a loner than his mainstream version ever was.
49	[[/folder]]
50
51	[[folder:Fan Works]]
52	* In the ''Film/{{Ghostbusters\|1984}}'' fanfic ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/35402485/chapters/88242349?view_adult=true Sick,]]'' Ray, who, in canon, is an [[{{Keet}} extremely cheerful and energetic man]], is somewhat subdued and a lot less optimistic.
53	* The ''Manga/LoveHina'' fanfic ''Fanfic/ForHisOwnSake'' portrays the Hinata Girls (barring [[TokenGoodTeammate Shinobu]]) [[AdaptationalVillainy far more malicious than in canon]] and their [[DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale constant abuse of Keitaro]] is played strictly for drama. Keitaro himself is [[AdaptationalBadass far more competent]] and less of a ButtMonkey than in canon, showing a lot more self-awareness regarding the girls abuse of him, questioning the double standard of a group of women getting away with inflicting violence on a hapless man, and eventually makes the right decision to ditch them with a more suitable girlfriend.
54	* In the ''Film/SinginInTheRain'' fanfic ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/1100077 To the Stars,]]'' Cosmo only makes one joke and he never does any of the deliberate slapstick gags that he almost never ''stops'' doing in the film.
55	[[/folder]]
56
57	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
58	* ''WesternAnimation/{{The Jungle Book\|1967}}'' has Bagheera the panther, one of Mowgli's {{animal companion}}s. In the books, he was a playful character to contrast Baloo the bear's (who gets [[AdaptationalComicRelief the inverse]] in the Disney adaptation) SternTeacher attitude. In the movie, he's the OnlySaneMan to Baloo's BigFun personality, though it's played with in that Bagheera is TheComicallySerious who [[NotSoAboveItAll can be just as out there as the other animals]].
59	* In ''WesternAnimation/SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse'' Miguel O’Hara aka ComicBook/SpiderMan2099 is a complete hardass who’s the StraightMan to Peter B. Parker, little baby Mayday and pretty much everyone else. In the comics though still a NinetiesAntiHero Miguel was not above quips in the spirit of Spidey and has numerous funny moments.
60	[[/folder]]
61
62	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
63	* ''Film/AceAttorney2012'':
64	** Maya in the game was a GenkiGirl and a bit of an AdultChild. Here, she behaves more maturely and is still haunted by Mia's death, such as when she angrily demands to know why Redd White killed Mia. She still has some traces of her original personality at points (such as looking at the giant inflatable Steel Samurai with a look of awe at one point), but it's more muted compared to the game.
65	** Edgeworth in the game was a SmugSnake who took pride in humiliating his opponents. Here, he's more of TheStoic and is less antagonistic towards Phoenix.
66	* ''Film/Barbie2023'' gives this treatment to the title character as part of a {{Deconstruction}}. In the [[Franchise/{{Barbie}} toyline]] Barbie is idyllically carefree and not in least bit the StepfordSmiler turned BrokenBird like she is in the film. This is lampshaded for humor as Barbie herself is the first to note she isn’t supposed to suffering depression or any anxiety. She even chooses to become a real woman by the end and leave Barbieworld, whereas all other versions of Barbie are content to live in feminine pastel coloured luxury.
67	* ''Film/TheBatman2022'': [[Characters/BatmanTheRiddler The Riddler]] in the comics is a LargeHam and AttentionWhore in a silly green costume with some goofy gimmicks. This movie portrays him as a straight and creepy terrorist and killer who regards himself as a WellIntentionedExtremist. This is in sharp contrast to not only the original comics but also to earlier adaptations of the character like in ''Series/Batman1966'' or Creator/JimCarrey's take in ''Film/BatmanForever''.
68	* ''Film/TheDarkKnight'': Most versions of the Joker usually have a variety of comical gags and plenty of jokes to throw around in their quest to drive Batman insane. Creator/CesarRomero and Creator/JackNicholson's [[Series/Batman1966 respective]] [[Film/Batman1989 versions]] are no exception to this rule. Enter Creator/HeathLedger's take, who eschews the comedy in favor of his scheme being the joke; to him, the world is a chaotic place, and every person is just one bad day away from going insane. He's going to be the one to prove that, and he's dead serious about it. If he does laugh, it's not because Batman got covered in silly putty, but rather that he's playing right into his hands and proving him right. He still provides a few laughs, but they mostly come from Joker's utter flippancy in the face of any kind of threats against him.
69	* ''Film/DisneyLiveActionRemakes'':
70	** ''Film/{{Aladdin\|2019}}'': This version of Jafar lacks [[EvilIsHammy the more comedic side]] of [[WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}} his animated counterpart]] in favor of being a straight-up madman who wishes to wage war on a neighboring kingdom, with no banter with Iago (who undergoes a similar treatment) or mocking the Sultan behind his back.
71	** A {{downplayed\|Trope}} example with Gaston from ''Film/{{Beauty and the Beast\|2017}}''. While he's still a LargeHam with his own VillainSong boasting about how awesome he is, more of his screen time is devoted to moments of him scheming or trying to get Maurice to let him marry Belle, not bellowing out how he's the hero of this story.
72	** ''Film/{{The Jungle Book\|2016}}'': This version of Kaa is a [[GenderFlip female]] python and less comedic and fun, thanks to having the serious voice of Creator/ScarlettJohansson. The meeting between Mowgli and Kaa is definitely not played for laughs.
73	** ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King\|2019}}'':
74	*** [[BigBad Scar]] possesses none of the {{Camp}} and LaughablyEvil qualities of [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994 his 1994 version]], and his [[DeadpanSnarker sarcasm]] is more of a biting and malicious version. Additionally, whilst the photo-realistic rendition means that none of the characters look particularly emotive, Scar appears to be a PerpetualFrowner with a displeased scowl on his face, just to show that he's still ObviouslyEvil.
75	*** [[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 who speaks in a [[BaritoneOfStrength deep contralto]], 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.
76	* ''Film/DragonballEvolution'' takes out Goku's [[BloodKnight fight-happy]] IdiotHero nature and changes him into a near stoic young man whose goal is to avenge his foster father Gohan.
77	* The title character of ''Film/HarryPotter''. In the books, Harry is a DeadpanSnarker with a penchant for GallowsHumor, while his film counterpart is typically more serious.
78	* ''Film/TheHobbit'':
79	** A good amount of the Dwarven Company, likely to give them more depth, are more serious and hardened. In the [[Literature/TheHobbit original book]], even Thorin the most developed and stoic Dwarf in the book had numerous funny moments. For instance he’s the one who has Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur fall on top of him when Bilbo opens his door too quickly. In the film Thorin is given Aragorn-level respect and gravitas throughout the film trilogy and his funny moments are taken out.
80	** In the original book, [[VoluntaryShapeshifter Beorn the skin-changer]] is a cheerful BoisterousBruiser who laughs a lot and jokes around with the dwarves once he learns about them and their adventures. In ''Film/TheHobbitTheDesolationOfSmaug'', he's a menacing figure with a gruff demeanor who never smiles, due to [[AdaptationalAngstUpgrade a tragic backstory]] that includes [[LastOfHisKind all the skin-changers except for him getting slain by orcs]].
81	* ''Film/TheLastAirbender'': While almost all of the protagonists have been noticeably stripped of their humor and lightheartedness, the most noticeable difference is with Sokka; in [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender the original series]], he is a goofy, sarcastic, comedic ally while in the film, he is a stoic, straight-talking, and often angry character.
82	* The portrayal of Superman in ''Film/ManOfSteel'' is much more solemn and prone to brooding than his classic iterations in both the [[ComicBook/{{Superman}} comics]] and the [[Film/SupermanTheMovie Reeves films]], who are best known for their warm and approachable AllLovingHero personalities.
83	* Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:
84	** [[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).
85	** ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk though still TheWoobie is a child-like BruiserWithASoftCenter and often a BloodKnight. He has plenty of silly moments. In ''Film/TheIncredibleHulk2008'', ''Film/TheAvengers2012'' and ''Film/TheAvengersAgeOfUltron'' Hulk is depicted as always serious and on edge as a rage-monster and speaks a grand total of twice “Hulk Smash” and “Puny God”. Though this was amended in ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' which depicted Hulk as more goofy like he is in the comics. The irony is Bruce Banner, Hulk’s alter ego gets the hard opposite with AdaptationalComicRelief — whereas in the comics Bruce Banner is probably the most tortured soul in the Marvel universe.
86	** ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}} was based on his [[ComicBook/TheUltimates Ultimates]] incarnation rather than the original character and as such is a rather grim special agent rather than a friendly snarker. He is manages to be quite funny at times though.
87	** ComicBook/CaptainAmerica villain 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''.
88	** 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 (although with some NotSoHarmlessVillain-momentsfrom 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.
89	* The film version of ''He-Man and the '' ''Film/MastersOfTheUniverse'' has Skeletor. While very hammy, he's a overall competent and intimidating villain that doesn't mess around. Having already taken over Eternia at the beginning of the film and his only comedic moments are a few sarcastic comments and SurroundedByIdiots reactions. A farcry from his more known cartoon counterpart, that was a cackling goofball who rarely got his way.
90	* The film version of ''Film/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'' strips Percy of his DeadpanSnarker tendencies and his humorous narration from the books.
91	** The Judge in the games was an occasional {{Cloudcuckoolander}}, who while [[BunnyEarsLawyer competent]] at his job, can be somewhat childish and is just as prone to being silly and over the top as the court he presides over. In the film though, he is borderline stoic and very serious.
92	* ''Film/{{The Punisher\|2004}}'': In the comics, while a very dangerous villain, The Russian is a pretty humorous character with plenty of funny dialogue. In this film, The Russian is still a tough and brutal thug but he never speaks and comes across as much more serious as a result.
93	* ''Film/SherlockHolmes'': While Sherlock was very witty and showy in the stories, Creator/BasilRathbone's portrayals became increasingly a straightlaced hero-type throughout the films (although he did have some moments of hilarity, like impersonating a music hall performer singing "I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside.")
94	* ''Film/TheShining'': Danny Torrance is a more withdrawn and quiet child than he is in the source novel. Likewise, his father Jack lacks his literary version's wry and intellectual humor and comes off as more unstable.
95	* ''Film/{{Sonic the Hedgehog 2\|2022}}'': In [[VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles his first appearance]], Knuckles was a giggling villain, laughing whenever Sonic and Tails were victims of his traps. In this movie, which adapts the plot of his first appearance, he takes the encounters with Sonic and Robotnik very seriously. [[TheComicallySerious A little too seriously, in fact.]]
96	* ''Franchise/SpiderMan'':
97	** One of the few criticisms of the ''Film/SpiderManTrilogy'' starring Creator/TobeyMaguire is how that version of Spider-Man doesn't quip anywhere near as much as a character known for YouFightLikeACow should, if at all. His later appearance in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'' does show him to have [[TookALevelInSmartass become considerably snarkier over the years]], bringing him closer to his comic characterization and those of his two otherworldly counterparts.
98	** Norman Osborn's cinematic iteration from ''Film/SpiderMan1'' and ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'' is another {{downplayed\|Trope}} example. He still has the silly green costume, cracks plenty of jokes, and yells out his dialogue with enough gusto that he could break a window, but his goal of breaking Spider-Man -- [[Creator/TobeyMaguire his]] or [[Creator/TomHolland another universe's]] -- is all played deadly serious, as he goads his foe into taking the final blow.
99	* In ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'', Uhura is friendly and warm, with her most memorable scene involving her playing music with Spock for fun during break time. In ''Film/{{Star Trek\|2009}}'', she's a driven and ambitious hard worker who has no patience for antics and rarely smiles.
100	* ''Film/TalesFromTheCrypt'': The Crypt Keeper in the comics just comments on the stories with puns. In the film version, he's a serious person. He tells a group of people in his Crypt [[spoiler:and how each of them had died.]]
101	* ''Film/XMenOriginsWolverine'': ComicBook/{{Deadpool}} was changed from a HeroicComedicSociopath and TalkativeLoon to a serious threat with his MouthStitchedShut. This version of the character [[BitingTheHandHumor was the butt of many jokes]] in ''Film/{{Deadpool\|2016}}'' and [[Film/Deadpool2 its sequel]]. This is {{downplayed\|Trope}} though, since he was still a snarky joker before getting brainwashed and turned into a weapon.
102	[[/folder]]
103
104	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
105	* ''Series/AlexRider2020'': Season 2's BigBad Damien Cray 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 [[TheMostDangerousVideoGame life-sized mock-up of his company’s video game]] and [[DeathByIrony crushing a greedy traitor with small change]]. Here, he's portrayed as much more stable and down-to-earth ([[MaskOfSanity on the surface]]), with a [[{{Revenge}} more logical reason]] for his apocalyptic 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.
106	* ''Series/{{Arrow}}'': Oliver Queen is much less humorous in this adaptation than his comic counterpart, being more terse and stiff. This is attributed to Oliver's traumatic experiences on the island as well as everything else he is put through on the show.
107	* The 1980s ''Series/{{Casablanca}}'' TV series. In the original film, Sascha is pure PluckyComicRelief; in the series, he has a much more reserved demeanor and is never used for comedy at all.
108	* In the Sky adaptation of ''Literature/GoingPostal'', Mustrum Ridcully is soft-spoken and polite, a far cry from his boisterous self from the books.
109	* ''Series/{{Halo\|2022}}'': Master Chief, though right in the middle of a war, usually snarks out some DangerDeadpan at his teammates or Cortana, and is friendly to his fellow soldiers when off-duty. Because this version had his emotions suppressed upon being forced into the SPARTAN program, he takes everything, even a child stamping his hand, with a greater sense of seriousness.
110	* Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:
111	** ''Series/{{Luke Cage\|2016}}'': His comic book counterpart could trash-talk like Spider-Man, but the Netflix adaptation makes him considerably more composed and philosophical to better suit its weighty, ponderous tone.
112	** ''Series/{{Moon Knight\|2022}}'': Arthur Harrow, in his sole appearance, was a typical MadScientist trying to uncover Nazi research that could aid him in his work and had the LargeHam dialogue to go with it. This Harrow is an enigmatic cult leader who takes his goal of unleashing Ammit and purging the world of vice and sin very seriously, giving little time to humor.
113	* ''Series/{{Outlander}}'': Season 3 features Chinese immigrant Yi Tien Cho. In the books, he is a perverted drunkard with a creepy foot fetish. He speaks {{Engrish}}, is generally a ButtMonkey creating humor via his otherness, and eventually [[UngratefulBastard betrays the main characters]]. Showrunners, aware of the accusations of offensive racial caricature, AdaptedOut his alcoholism, his foot fetish, and all the handsprings, flea jumps, and weird physical ticks he had in the novel. In the show, he is a distinguished, older gentleman who maintains a regal poise despite the constant and blatant discrimination he faces. Additionally, he's fiercely loyal to [[{{Deuteragonist}} Claire and Jamie]] who like and respect him, sympathizing with his plight as an immigrant, rather than begrudgingly tolerating his presence as they did in the books.
114	[[/folder]]
115
116	[[folder:Toys]]
117	* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'':
118	** ''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/TransformersFilmSeries 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.
119	** Megatron in the original cartoon, while NotSoHarmless as the series continued, was still very much a bluster-prone LaughablyEvil 80s bad guy, prone to cartoonish schemes and arguing with his cronies (especially Starscream) LikeAnOldMarriedCouple. Later takes of Megatron, while maintaining his snark and LargeHam tendencies to some level, generally portray the Decepticon leader as a much more fierce and sinister BigBad, his threat level often taken deadly seriously by both the Autobots and [[BadBoss his own Decepticons.]]
120	** Sentinel Prime, in comparison to his iteration from ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', falls into this trope. His original iteration had little backstory, and the TFA iteration was a {{Jerkass}} of the highest order, but even that version has moments where [[LaserGuidedKarma karma would give him a swift kick to the tailpipe]], often for comedic purposes. If they need to show Sentinel as the guy the audience wants Optimus to replace, enter this trope. Look at ''Film/TransformersDarkOfTheMoon'' or IDW's [[ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW first run]] to showcase a very serious, very horrific, and very evil guy who has no time for joking around.
121	[[/folder]]
122
123	[[folder:Video Games]]
124	* Reconstructed for the AlternateTimeline BTeamSequel, ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot4ItsAboutTime''. In the original games, a lot of Crash's supporting cast were relatively more serious than him, [[TheComicallySerious but still arrogant and prone to being the butt of jokes.]] In later games, the formality was often skipped, and a lot of the characters were depicted as even wackier and more idiot prone than Crash was. ''It's About Time'' however Flanderizes the original format even further than before, with Crash and Cortex being the sole comic relief in an unironically serious acting cast. Coco for example is Crash's outright HyperCompetentSidekick, losing all of her petulant BunglingInventor qualities [[NotSoAboveItAll that brought her back down to his level]], while N Tropy is now the KnightOfCerebus [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter far more fearsome and sinister than Cortex]], rather than a time pun-spewing ham who only ''thought'' he was.
125	* ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'': In the historical records and the novel, Cao Pi has several quirks such as being obsessed with [[TrademarkFavoriteFood grapes]], being a talented poet and literary critic, and being into occultism and superstition. The games downplayed all of it and portrayed him as serious and stoic. While some of his quirks were mentioned in passing, it rarely has anything to do with his characterization in the games.
126	* ''{{Franchise/Halo}}'': [[AncientKeeper 343 Guilty Spark]] at his most lucid rarely gets more helpful than evasive half-truths, and frequently seems to [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} lose touch with reality altogether.]] In the terminals added into the [[UpdatedRerelease anniversary editions]], he still gets [[GoMadFromTheIsolation a little nutty]], but in the timeframe of the main plot he is on-task, [[BrutalHonesty direct and honest to point of rudeness]], and even offers some astute commentary on Covenant politics.
127	* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'': In his series, Mario is a [[{{Keet}} happy-go-lucky]] HeroicMime who is friendly to everyone he meets. In the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series (from ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee Melee]]'' [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl on]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU wa]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate rds]]), he is instead a [[TheStoic stoic]], [[PerpetualFrowner grumpy]] HeroicMime who is very skilled at fighting, and is sometimes hostile to anyone who harms his loved ones (Like in ''Brawl'' where he wanted to kill [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda Link]] and Yoshi, the latter being [[FightingYourFriend one of his friends]], for killing Peach).
128	* ''Franchise/SpyroTheDragon'': In the original series, Hunter was a goofy SurferDude who would help out, but normally leaves hero stuff to Spyro. In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'' series, he is instead a serious, [[TheStoic stoic]] resistance leader who is a HeroOfAnotherStory.
129	[[/folder]]
130
131	[[folder:Web Animation]]
132	* One of ''WebAnimation/DeathBattle's'' main rules is that characters are stripped of all restraints from killing that would exist in their home series. As such, characters who are canonically a PluckyComicRelief, the FunPersonified, a {{Cloudcuckoolander}}, or any combination of the three would also have those traits stripped away from them when facing their oppenent, and since those types of characters are far from badass, they would have a moment of being a CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass that they didn't have in their home series.
133	* ''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. This series contextualizes distorted faces and voices as 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 presented as BodyHorror, and the only sensible response for the characters facing those infected is to kill them on-sight, lest they become infected, too.
134	[[/folder]]
135
136	[[folder:Webcomics]]
137	* The original ''Koha-Ace'' manga is a satirical take on the Holy Grail wars of the ''Franchise/FateSeries'' focusing on Japanese servants, and it has a very simplistic chibi art style and lots of nonsensical gags. ''WebComic/FateTypeRedline'' is the [[DarkerAndEdgier very dark adaptation]] of the above plotline, removing the striking majority of {{Mythology Gag}}s, [[TheCameo cameos]] and satirical elements, having an incredibly detailed -- and quite beautiful -- art style, a TokyoFireball premise, and depicting all the characters as far more serious versions of themselves. That characterization also stems from the ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'' GUDAGUDA events, which are based on the ''Koha-Ace'' manga but grew increasingly serious over the years despite the gag elements.
138	* ''Webcomic/TotalTrauma'': A few characters who were originally comedic in ''WesternAnimation/TotalDrama'' are taken more seriously, due to both AdaptationalAngstUpgrade and the characters [[FlashForwardFic having matured into young adults]].
139	** In the original show, Lindsay is mostly used as a source of comedy about being a DumbBlonde who forgets simple things. ''Total Trauma'' deconstructs this by giving her a serious subplot where she runs away, changes her identity, and forgets who she actually is. Her "dumbness" is also recontextualized as dissociation issues and is strictly PlayedForDrama.
140	** Sierra is a cartoonish stalker in the original series. In the comic, she's far more mature and has a serious plot where she undergoes some self-discovery and breaks up with Cody.
141	** Downplayed with Izzy. While she still has some silly moments (i.e. kicking [[spoiler:Chris]] to the ground at the hospital), she's given a more serious backstory of being a FormerChildStar with heavy implications of child abuse, and generally seems more rational than her CloudCuckooLander self from canon.
142	[[/folder]]
143
144	[[folder:Western Animation]]
145	* Maria Renard wasn't treated all too seriously in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaRondoOfBlood'', with her having a stereotypically cute character design and her ending having her run out of the CollapsingLair in a way that was PlayedForLaughs, followed by a goofy samba-style credits theme. ''WesternAnimation/CastlevaniaNocturne'', on the other hand, has her as a far more serious character (as indicated by her using her more practical outfit from ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaTheDraculaXChronicles'') that frequently calls Richter a "wanker" and espouses the views of UsefulNotes/TheFrenchRevolution.
146	* ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales2017'': As an adaptation of the [[ComicBook/DisneyDucksComicUniverse Disney Ducks comics]] and a reboot of the [[WesternAnimation/DuckTales1987 1987 cartoon]], this happens with a handful of characters:
147	** Mrs. Beakley in the original classic is a doddering GrannyClassic, while in the 2017 series she is an AdaptationalBadass no-nonsense former spy (although she is often TheComicallySerious).
148	** Donald Duck, while he still has a temper and ButtMonkey moments due to his terrible luck, is also more of an overprotective ActionDad with an AdaptationalAngstUpgrade from [[spoiler:losing his twin sister and having a falling out with Uncle Scrooge over it,]] raising the triplets alone. Season 2 even reveals he's been going to therapy for many years so he can better channel his anger into protecting his family.
149	** Fenton's mother in the original is a lazy, nagging housewife, while in the new series she's a dedicated Latina cop (though she has some moments of NotSoAboveItAll over her telenovelas).
150	** Doofus Drake is the most extreme example. He goes from a klutzy but friendly FatComicRelief to a [[AdaptationalWealth wealthy]] but [[TheDreaded dead-serious]] CreepyChild who all of the other characters fear.
151	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyAndFriends'': The toys and UK ''ComicBook/MyLittlePony'' comics present Wind Whistler as TheDitz and her name [[MeaningfulName comes from]] her insistent whistling. In the cartoon she is TheSpock while her friend Fizzy is the goofier {{Cloudcuckoolander}}.
152	* ''WesternAnimation/SonicTheHedgehogSatAM'': Dr "Eggman" Robotnik, while fluctuating in competence, is generally depicted as a LaughablyEvil ham of a bad guy in most interpretations of the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' franchise. This series set itself apart from the norm by depicting Robotnik as a [[KnightOfCerebus legitimately terrifying]] EvilOverlord, with the entire globe under his mercy from the start of the show, with a full-on CerebusSyndrome concerning his badnik machinations and very few jokes made at his expense. The second season made Robotnik more characteristically vain and prone to a bit more sarcasm and pratfalls, though he still remained a far more sinister entity than most takes of the doctor.
153	* ''WesternAnimation/SpiderManTheNewAnimatedSeries'': Peter Parker in this series is one of the least jokey incarnations of Spider-Man, though he's still pretty quippy and snarky (it ''is'' Spider-Man, after all).
154	* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'': In his original appearance in ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' cartoon, Waspinator was a comic relief IneffectualSympatheticVillain whose status as the show's [[TheChewToy Chew Toy]] and [[TheyKilledKennyAgain a tendency to get blown to pieces]] in his every single appearance served as a great source of comedy for the show. By contrast, his ''Animated'' version is portrayed as a much darker interpretation of the character, depicted as a genuinely menacing and dangerous threat, and [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds the abuse he receives]] ''not'' being PlayedForLaughs, instead serving as a source of horror.
155	[[/folder]]

Context Main / AdaptationalSeriousness