We used to this

That does sound like something a British interviewer would ask

So the joke is that it takes place in Africa, so there would obviously be a black cast. Right? I’m confused.

I think the problem here is less insensitive journalists than it is cultural differences in common phrases, like how a Brit saying "That's a brave idea" isn't complimenting you, and is in fact saying that it's never going to work, what the hell were you thinking.